Fakhar Zaman reveals reason other than controversial Babar Azam tweet behind being dropped from Pakistan side

Veteran Pakistan opener Fakhar Zaman has revealed the primary reason behind not playing for the national team since the T20 World Cup in June 2024. Zaman said a medical condition prevented him from being part of the side.

The left-handed batter had embroiled himself in a controversy regarding Babar Azam's exclusion from the final two matches against England in the three-Test series at home. After the veteran tweeted against the selection decision, Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Mohsin Naqvi criticized him, issuing a show-cause notice.

When asked whether the 34-year-old is in line to feature for the Men in Green again, he told The Vipers' Voices podcast:

"A 100%, I will play for Pakistan (again). Actually, many people do not know about that, but after the T20 World Cup I got sick and because of the medical condition I was not fit, so I was not a part of the team. But now I [have] recovered 100%, and you will see me in the next white-ball series which Pakistan play."

The southpaw didn't have a memorable campaign in the 2024 T20 World Cup, managing only 33 runs in four matches at 8.25. With a humiliating loss to the USA in the tournament, the former champions crashed out in the group stage.

"Everyone wanted me to play in the Champions Trophy" - Fakhar Zaman

Fakhar Zaman. (Image Credits: Getty)

Zaman recalled how the 2017 Champions Trophy proved to be the turning point in his career and is thoroughly looking forward to the next edition. In the same discussion, he added:

"My plan has been around the Champions Trophy. I did not play in the Australia tour or in the South Africa tour, so my whole plan was just to play in the Champions Trophy, to make myself available and to be fully fit for the tournament. That was in the back of my mind, and I am thankful, and I am lucky to be fit right now."

"I started from the Champions Trophy 2017 and that went really well for me and now I am very excited for the next edition also. I talked to the selectors, the head coach, and everyone wanted me to play in the Champions Trophy," he added.

Under Sarfaraz Khan's leadership, Pakistan won the 2017 edition by beating India by 180 runs in the final at The Oval.