Fakhar Zaman Issues Statement On Injury, Responds To Aaqib Javed's Claims

Fakhar Zaman reveals his fitness status [Source: AFP]Veteran cricketer Fakhar Zaman finally reacted to his much-talked-about fitness status amid the controversy surrounding Aaqib Javed's remarks on his injury. The swashbuckling batter played a significant role in Pakistan's consolation win over Sri Lanka in the T20 World Cup 2026. Opening the batting with Sahibzada Farhan, Fakhar hammered 84 runs off just 42 deliveries, setting the foundation for a mammoth score for his side. Although Pakistan missed out on a semifinal qualification, Fakhar's blistering knock earned him massive applause. Fakhar Zaman missed Pakistan Vs Bangladesh ODIsDespite his scintillating hitting in the final Super 8 match against Sri Lanka, Fakhar Zaman was surprisingly dropped from the Pakistan squad for the Bangladesh ODIs. His injury prevented Fakhar from participating in the series, with the PCB selection committee excluding him from the team. In fact, Aaqib Javed, the Director of High Performance, revealed that Fakhar was snubbed from the team due to an injury setback, which he sustained after the T20 World Cup. Also read: Shahid Afridi Orders Mohsin Naqvi's PCB To Appoint 35-Year-Old As Pakistan T20I CaptainThis caused an uproar in the Pakistani cricket ecosystem, with fans speculating whether the veteran cricketer had played the tournament with an injury. His longtime teammate, Babar Azam, faced similar accusations, with several reports claiming the duo entered the T20 World Cup with compromised fitness. Fakhar Zaman responds to Aaqib Javed's statementDays after the Pakistan selectors urged a probe into the mysterious injury setbacks of Fakhar and Babar Azam, the former stunned everyone with a valiant fielding effort in the National T20 Cup. Hailed for his flamboyant stroke-play, Fakhar timed his dive to perfection and grabbed a sensational catch. The clip of his stunning grab went viral on social media, with Pakistani cricket fans and experts slamming the selection committee for questioning his fitness. Former Pakistan cricketer Abdur Rouf even went on to mock Aaqib Javed and the other members of the PCB selection committee for declaring the veteran batter injured. “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 on X, as quoted by Geo Super. However, Fakhar Zaman finally reacted to the matter, revealing he indeed missed the Bangladesh series due to injury. The swashbuckling southpaw disclosed that he was declared fit for the National T20 Cup after clearing a fitness Test on March 15. "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. After Fakhar's clarification, Abdur Rouf deleted his post and congratulated the Pakistani mainstay for his stunning fielding effort. Pakistan lose to Bangladesh in ODI seriesLed by Shaheen Afridi, Pakistan succumbed to an embarrassing ODI series defeat against Bangladesh. Although Salman Ali Agha stepped up with the bat with two excellent fifty-plus scores, the Men in Green missed the services of several experienced players, including Fakhar Zaman, against Bangladesh's spirited bowling lineup. The veteran batter will now be seen playing for the Lahore Qalandars in the upcoming PSL 2026. Also read: Jasprit Bumrah's Future At Indian Cricket Questioned By All-Time Legend