Pakistan Cricket in Crisis: Probes Target Babar Azam and Fakhar Zaman
Pakistan’s cricket team has found itself in a challenging situation following a disappointing performance at the T20 World Cup. The team failed to make it to the semi-finals, with notable losses against England in the Super 8 stage and a rain-affected match against New Zealand. This underperformance has sparked intense scrutiny, particularly on two of the team’s top batters, Babar Azam and Fakhar Zaman.
The controversy surrounding their performance has deepened after reports emerged that both players may have been carrying injuries during the tournament. These injuries could have significantly impacted their play, leading to questions about their fitness and the decision-making process behind their selection for the World Cup.
Babar Azam’s decision to opt out of the National T20 Championship immediately after the World Cup further intensified the debate. His absence raised concerns among fans and officials alike, as it suggested that he might not be in optimal condition to continue playing.
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) medical panel has expressed doubts about the fitness of both players during the event. Despite these concerns, they were still selected for the squad, prompting calls for an investigation into the selection process.
Dr Javed Mughal, a UK-based sports physiotherapy expert and former PCB Director of Sports Exercise and Medicine, had previously voiced concerns about their fitness after post-tournament assessments. According to a source, “When Babar was assessed, his injury was found to be more severe than first thought, and Fakhar has also been dealing with the same issue for several months.”
Both players were cleared to play by Pakistan’s physiotherapist, Cliffe Deacon, which led to their inclusion in the World Cup squad. A source confirmed that this decision was communicated to the PCB medical panel by the national selection committee.
Deacon, however, has faced criticism in the past. There have been allegations that he allows players to compete despite injuries, sometimes influenced by personal relationships. This has raised questions about the integrity of the selection process and the health of the players.
At a recent press conference involving committee members Misbah-ul-Haq, Sarfaraz Ahmed, and Asad Shafique, former fast bowler and selector Aaqib Javed expressed similar concerns. He highlighted that some players were not part of the series against Bangladesh, and he questioned the decision to include Babar Azam and Fakhar Zaman in the squad without ensuring they were fully fit.
“Regarding Babar Azam’s injury, when he returned from the T20 World Cup, our doctor examined him. His injury has prevented him from playing the Bangladesh series as well as the National T20 Cup. He wanted to participate, but he is not fit,” Javed said during the press conference.
He also pointed out that Fakhar Zaman is similarly affected by injuries. “We have asked the cricket board to investigate this. Were they included in the squad without being fully fit? As selectors, these are matters we should be aware of,” he added.
Javed emphasized the importance of close monitoring of health and injury concerns during major tournaments. “At a World Cup, any health or injury concerns must be closely monitored by the head coach and physio, and we, as selectors, should be informed,” he concluded.
This situation has placed the entire cricket board under pressure to address these issues transparently. The ongoing investigations could have significant implications for the future of Pakistan’s cricket team, especially regarding player selection and health management. The outcome of these probes will likely shape the direction of the team moving forward.
