Inside Controversy: Fakhar Speaks Out After Rauf Questions Selection Committee’s Decision

LAHORE: Pakistan star batsman Fakhar Zaman has broken his silence pertaining to the fitness concerns that recently placed him at the centre of a selection controversy, following questions raised by former pacer Abdur Rouf.

The dispute unfolded on social media platform X after Rouf shared images of Zaman taking a diving catch during a National T20 Cup fixture between Abbottabad Region and Lahore Whites at the Imran Khan Cricket Stadium on Tuesday.

Rouf used the post to criticise the national selection committee, questioning their judgement after it was reported that the player had been deemed injured, prompting a formal inquiry request to the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB).

“A day ago, our selection committee declared him injured and demanded an inquiry. What a great mind and visionary people we have to run our cricket,” Rouf wrote.

In a direct reply, Zaman moved to clarify the timeline of his recovery and defend the selection panel's initial stance.

He explained that he had not been match-fit for the longer 50-over format at the time of the squad announcement, and only returned to competitive action after passing mandatory fitness assessments.

“Abdur Rouf Bhai, I was not 100% fit to play 50-over games. In that case, Aaqib Javed was right. I am playing these games after clearing the fitness tests on the 15th,” Fakhar responded.

The exchange concluded on an amicable note, with the former pacer lauding Zaman’s commitment on the field. Rouf moved to draw a line under the dispute, affirming that player welfare remains paramount.

“Great catch anyway. No need to worry. We are here to support our players like you. Nothing is more important than you guys. I am deleting [the post],” he stated.

The fitness saga traces back to Pakistan’s recent white-ball commitments. Zaman had a limited role in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, featuring in just two matches.

After missing the initial group-stage fixtures, he contributed a knock of 25 runs against England in the Super Eights, followed by a vital 84-run innings in a must-win clash with Sri Lanka. However, following the World Cup, he was reportedly carrying an injury that ruled him out of Pakistan’s subsequent three-match ODI tour of Bangladesh—a series the Green Shirts went on to lose 2-1.

The absence of key players prompted the Pakistan men's selection committee to request an inquiry with the PCB regarding the injuries sustained by senior batter Babar Azam and Fakhar Zaman during the T20 World Cup campaign.

Pakistan, the 2009 champions, failed to qualify for the World Cup semi-finals. They are currently competing in a three-match away ODI series, for which they opted to rest six key players.

Committee member Aaqib Javed revealed that this included the senior batting duo of Babar and Fakhar. The decision to exclude the pair, despite their encouraging performances in the longer format, drew sharp criticism from fans who accused the panel of "format mixing."