Pakistan's Fakhar Zaman reacts as he walks off the field after his dismissal during the tri-series ODI cricket final match between Pakistan and New Zealand, in Karachi, Pakistan, Friday, Feb. 14, 2025. (AP Photo)Pakistan team talisman Fakhar Zaman has dismissed rumours that he was on the verge of retiring. Zaman, in fact, told the Pakistan Cricket Board’s social media team in an interview published on the PCB’s X handle that he wants to continue playing all forms of cricket.
Zaman, who is currently injured, said that he should be fit for national duty in a month’s time.
Zaman has been ruled out of the ongoing Champions Trophy that Pakistan is hosting after he got hurt during Pakistan’s opener against New Zealand in Karachi.
“Well, I’ve also heard a lot about this and my friends have also sent messages. There is no truth in this. One-day is my favourite format and, yes, because of my thyroid (problem) I was thinking of taking some time off from cricket. But retirement never crossed my mind. I want to play One-day, T20, even I want to play Test cricket,” Zaman said in a video posted on ‘X’ by Pakistan Cricket Board.
In conversation with @FakharZamanLive 🎙️
The left-handed batter talks about the emotions after the tournament-ending injury in ICC Champions Trophy, his ongoing rehab and addresses rumours of his retirement. pic.twitter.com/RPsRAcTbkP
— Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) February 26, 2025
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In the game against New Zealand, he had suffered a muscle strain while fielding in the New Zealand innings and spent most of the time off the field. He then batted at No 4 instead of opening the innings while Pakistan chased a 320-run target. Instead of him, Saud Shakeel opened the innings. At No.4, Zaman scored 24 off 41, as Pakistan lost by 60 runs.
“Had I opened then things could have been different because when you get a big target, then the opener has a big role to play,” Zaman said.
Pakistan had to call on Imam-ul-Haq to replace Zaman in the side for the Champions Trophy. Pakistan lost to India in the second game and are out of the tournament.
The 34-year-old top-order batter has played 86 ODIs and averages a just over 46. He believes that he will be back playing in a month.
“A far as my comeback (from injury) is concerned, I will hopefully return to competitive cricket in a month. I got an idea (about my Champions Trophy campaign ending) after the pain I felt,” he said.
“In the last one week, I’ve seen a marked improvement in my healing. The doctor has said that I can start training after three weeks, so I should be back in one month,” Zaman said. “I still want to play Tests but but the coaches and captain have their own planning and I also feel that there are better Test players in Pakistan,” he said, adding, “I would like to open on comeback but it’s up to them where they want to keep me.”
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