Reason behind Babar’s exclusion from Bangladesh ODIs revealed Babar Azam’s absence from the national squad for the Bangladesh tour has been attributed to fitness concerns. The senior batter was not selected due to his poor performance in the World Cup, which raised questions about his readiness for international cricket. Later, he refused to participate in the National T20 Cup, citing leg pain. A PCB doctor, Javed Mughal, examined his injury and found it to be serious, prompting treatment. The selection committee initially excluded Babar from the Bangladesh tour squad, but coach Mike Hesson later stated that the decision was not a drop but a rest to give opportunities to younger players. Selector Aaqib Javed clarified that Babar’s exclusion was due to fitness issues, adding that Fakhar Zaman also faced similar problems. Both players were reportedly not fully fit after the World Cup, yet they were included in the squad based on clearance reports from team physio Cliff Deacon. Confusion arose from conflicting statements, with sources claiming Babar and Fakhar played in the T20 World Cup despite incomplete fitness, which impacted their performance. The selectors were unaware of their condition, leading to the decision to rest them. When the National T20 Cup approached, Babar declined participation due to leg pain, but his injury was found to be more severe than initially thought. Fakhar’s fitness issues also raised questions about how he was included in the World Cup squad. PCB officials are now investigating the circumstances surrounding the players’ fitness status. Additional concerns have emerged about the fitness of younger players, including Mohammad Rizwan, who was not fully fit during the Bangladesh tour.#babar_azam #mike_hesson #fakhar_zaman #aqib_javed #javed_mughal
Fakhar Zaman breaks silence on fitness concerns, responds to selector's claims of playing T20 WC with injury Pakistan cricketer Fakhar Zaman addressed claims made by selector Aaqib Javed regarding his fitness during the T20 World Cup, confirming he had sustained an injury that affected his ability to participate in 50-over matches. Zaman had previously sought an inquiry from the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) into the matter, which Javed had raised during a press conference. The selector alleged that the selection committee was unaware of Zaman’s injury and called for an investigation. However, Zaman’s admission came after a social media backlash against Javed following the southpaw’s impressive catch in the National T20 Cup. In a response to a tweet, Zaman acknowledged his injury and clarified that he was not fully fit to play 50-over games. He stated that he only participated in the National T20 Cup after passing fitness tests on March 15, 2026. “I was not 100% fit to play 50-over games. In that case, Aqib Javed was right. I’m playing these games after clearing the fitness tests on the 15th,” Zaman wrote on X. His comments appeared to validate Javed’s claims while also emphasizing his commitment to returning to competitive cricket. Zaman’s fitness journey has now progressed to the next stage, with the cricketer set to join the Pakistan Super League (PSL) starting March 26, 2026. Before that, he will compete in the final of the National T20 Cup on March 18, 2026, against Karachi Region Whites at the Imran Khan Cricket Stadium in Peshawar. In his recent appearance, Zaman scored a duck in the semifinal against Lahore Region Blues and did not get a chance to bat as the match ended in a no-result.#pakistan_cricket_board #pakistan_super_league #fakhar_zaman #aqib_javed #national_t20_cup
Pakistan's cricket board is investigating concerns about the fitness of key players Babar Azam and Fakhar Zaman ahead of the T20 World Cup, according to sources. Senior selector Aaqib Javed and the board's medical panel raised alarms about their readiness for the tournament, prompting the PCB to review the selection process. The issue comes as Pakistan prepares for the high-stakes competition, with fitness being a critical factor in team performance. The PCB's medical team has been scrutinizing the players' physical condition, with reports suggesting that both Azam and Zaman may not have been fully prepared for the demands of the tournament. This has led to questions about the decision-making process behind their inclusion in the squad. The board is expected to conduct a thorough assessment to determine whether the players' fitness levels were adequately evaluated before finalizing the team. Aaqib Javed, a prominent figure in Pakistan's cricket selection process, has been vocal about the importance of prioritizing player health over other considerations. His comments highlight the growing emphasis on ensuring that athletes are in peak condition for international competitions. The PCB's medical panel has also emphasized the need for rigorous fitness checks to prevent injuries and maintain team performance throughout the tournament. The situation has sparked discussions about the balance between competitive selection and player welfare. While the PCB has not officially commented on the matter, the investigation underscores the board's commitment to addressing any potential gaps in its preparation strategy. As the T20 World Cup approaches, the focus remains on ensuring that Pakistan's squad is both fit and ready to compete at the highest level.#t20_world_cup #babar_azam #pakistan_cricket_board #fakhar_zaman #aqib_javed
