Aaqib Javed, member of Pakistan’s national cricket selection committee, has confirmed that Babar Azam was carrying an injury after the T20 World Cup and that the matter is under inquiry.

 

Speaking at a joint press conference at Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore, on Saturday alongside Misbah-ul-Haq, Sarfaraz Ahmed, and Asad Shafiq, Javed addressed questions about team selection and player fitness.

 

He revealed that Babar Azam underwent a medical check-up after returning from the World Cup, which confirmed his injury. 

 

“Babar Azam wanted to play national T20s, but he suffered an injury. Fakhar Zaman and Babar Azam’s injuries are under inquiry,” Javed said.

 

He also raised concerns about how Fakhar Zaman was found unfit. 

 

“How is it possible Fakhar is also unfit? Were their fitness levels not monitored during the T20 World Cup? Were proper fitness tests conducted when the squad was selected? If not, then not only the coach and physio but the previous selection committee should also be held responsible,” he added.

 

Javed clarified the process of team selection, emphasizing that decisions are collaborative. “No single person selects the team. The selection committee, coach, and captain consult together,” he said.

 

Reflecting on Pakistan’s performance at the T20 World Cup, Javed said the team did not fully meet expectations but showed improvement in several areas.

 

“We lost only one match, and one match was affected by rain, after which we exited on run rate. Against Sri Lanka, the pitch made it impossible for any team to be bowled out for a low score,” he said.

 

He also highlighted Pakistan’s progress in the bilateral series. 

 

“Pakistan’s performance has improved in my view. We have beaten South Africa in South Africa and Australia in Australia. In the Bangladesh series, no one was dropped; we rested players and gave new players a chance,” Javed noted.

 

Commenting on Pakistan’s fast-bowling options, he said, “Now we cannot get bowlers like Wasim or Waqar. In this era, apart from Bumrah, there is no bowler who is difficult to play against.”

 

Sarfaraz Ahmed added that the team has multiple options for wicketkeeping and intends to give new players opportunities next season. “We have two to three wicketkeeper options. We will give new players a chance next season,” he said.

 

It is worth noting that Babar Azam was not part of the ongoing Bangladesh series, and the board has not issued an official clarification on whether he was rested or sidelined due to injury.