Fakhar Zaman, the veteran cricketer from Pakistan, is expressing confidence in his return to international cricket as the nation prepares to host the Champions Trophy next month. After an extended hiatus from the game, stretching back eight months to Pakistan's disappointing first-round exit from the T20 World Cup in June, Fakhar is eager to make his mark once again on the international stage. This absence from the field resulted in him missing out on a central contract with the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) for the first time in eight years, adding to the weight of his return.
The cricketer revealed that his time away from the game was due to health challenges that arose after the T20 World Cup. Although he was unable to participate because of these medical issues, he is now fully fit and ready to play for Pakistan. Fakhar emphasized his commitment to the national team and expressed optimism about his performance in the upcoming tournament.
Fakhar's time away from the team was not solely due to personal circumstances. He also attracted attention for his outspoken criticism of the PCB during a period of controversy involving the national team's captain, Babar Azam. Just prior to Babar being rested for two crucial home Test matches against England due to poor form in the red-ball format, Fakhar voiced his support for the captain via social media. This led to repercussions from the PCB, which issued him a show cause notice, particularly in light of ongoing concerns about Fakhar's fitness levels. The PCB Chairman, Mohsin Naqvi, made it clear that such public expressions of discontent were inappropriate and that the focus should remain on the players’ performance and fitness.
During Fakhar's absence, the Pakistan ODI team thrived under the leadership of the newly appointed white-ball captain, Mohammad Rizwan. The squad achieved significant victories in three away series, securing wins against Australia, Zimbabwe, and South Africa. This success highlighted the team's resilience despite the absence of some key players.
Recently, Fakhar made a return to competitive cricket when he participated in the domestic Champions Cup T20 tournament, where he stood out as the third highest scorer with 303 runs in ten matches, exhibiting a commendable strike rate of 132.31. He publicly affirmed his intention to regain full fitness and contribute significantly to the Champions Trophy, a tournament he fondly remembers for his outstanding performance in 2017, where he scored a landmark century in the final against India.
As Pakistan gears up to host its first major ICC tournament in nearly three decades, the team is also grappling with the injury of rising star Saim Ayub. Saim, who has impressed with two centuries in the ODI format against South Africa, recently fractured his right ankle during the second Test match and is expected to be sidelined for a minimum of six weeks. His absence raises questions about his availability for the Champions Trophy.
The PCB has arranged for Saim to receive specialized treatment in London, and Fakhar voiced his hopes for a swift recovery for the young talent. He expressed admiration for Saim’s potential, believing that with continuous play, Saim could emerge as one of the top players globally in the coming years. Fakhar's concern for Saim's well-being demonstrates the camaraderie among players, highlighting the collective aspirations of the team as they aim to excel on the world stage.
Fakhar's current engagement with Desert Vipers for the ILT20 adds another layer to his cricketing journey. He has become a key player for this franchise, drawing the interest of director of cricket Tom Moody, who sees great value in his experience and prowess. In this setting, Fakhar is looking forward to the opportunity to share the field with prominent players such as Sherfane Rutherford, the T20 captain of the West Indies, whom he regards as one of the finest cricketers in the format. Fakhar's enthusiasm about playing alongside Rutherford underscores his dedication to both personal growth and team success.
Fakhar Zaman is standing on the brink of a pivotal moment in his career. With the Champions Trophy approaching and a renewed sense of fitness and purpose, he is ready to re-establish his legacy in international cricket. The stage is set for both Fakhar and the Pakistan national team as they look to capitalize on their home advantage and deliver performances that resonate with fans across the nation. Such tournaments not only foster healthy competition but also serve as a testament to the passion and spirit of cricket in Pakistan, bringing fans and players together in pursuit of excellence.