Pakistan's Fakhar Zaman plays a shot during the third one day international cricket match with Afghanistan in Colombo, Sri Lanka on Sunday. (AP) Former Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chief has named opener Fakhar Zaman as the weakest link in Babar Azam’s side and he wants to drop the out-of-form batter ahead of their highly-anticipated clash against India on Saturday.
In the last four ODIs, Fakhar has managed only 2, 30, 27 and 14 and Raza said his sudden drop of form is a major concern for Pakistan.
“The big problem is Fakhar Zaman. He is an unorthodox hitter, but when someone like that gets out of form, it takes some time to find solutions on the drawing board. He’s a bottom-handed player, plays on the leg-side, somehow he adjusts with that and scores,” Ramiz said on his YouTube channel.
“He played three matches against Afghanistan and couldn’t make a mark as well.
“His body language is suffering, and Pakistan need an in-form opener. If Imam also gets dismissed cheaply, it creates pressure. Pakistan need to assess Fakhar.
“I believe they should rest him, give him some time out. Sidelining him is better for him as well as the Pakistan side.
“He’s a good player, Pakistan has given him chances. But against India, with the form that he has, that chance is not worth being taken,” he added.
The Asian Cricket Council is organizing this year’s tournament in two countries — Pakistan and Sri Lanka — after India refused to travel to Pakistan because of political tensions between the two countries.
The ACC accepted Pakistan’s hybrid model, according to which India, placed in Group A, will play all its matches in Sri Lanka. Sri Lanka will host nine games, including the final on September 17, while Pakistan will host four games.
Group B includes Afghanistan, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh and all three teams will play at least one game in Pakistan. Sri Lanka will take on Bangladesh at Pallekele in Sri Lanka on Thursday while Pakistan travels to Sri Lanka early Thursday to meet India, also at Pallekele, on Saturday.
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