Pakistan's aggressive opening batter Fakhar Zaman has opened up about his illness, time away from the team, and preparations for the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy.

 

Speaking on the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Podcast with Salman Butt on Friday, Fakhar revealed that he was not injured but had fallen ill. "I was diagnosed with hyperthyroidism, which caused me to lose 10 kilograms and weakened my muscles," he said.

 

"There was no other reason. I am now fully fit. The first four to five domestic matches were tough, and I felt like I had forgotten how to play. But gradually, I improved and performed well. Now, I am completely healthy," he added.

 

Fakhar became excited while discussing the upcoming Champions Trophy. "It's a major event, and we are thrilled because it's happening in Pakistan," he said.

 

When asked about Babar Azam's batting order change and his potential role as an opener, Fakhar backed his captain. "For a batter of Babar Azam's class, position doesn't matter. I believe he will do well as an opener and make things easier for me," he remarked.

 

Fakhar also reflected on his breakthrough in the 2017 Champions Trophy. "That tournament was the start of my career. I will try to make this edition even more memorable for myself and the team. As for playing against India, I approach that match with the same mindset as I do against any other team," he concluded.

 

In October 2024, Babar Azam was dropped from the last two Test matches against England, leading to Fakhar tweeting in his favour. 

 

Fakhar wrote on X: "It's concerning to hear suggestions about dropping Babar Azam. India didn't bench Virat Kohli during his rough stretch between 2020 and 2023, when he averaged 19.33, 28.21, and 26.50, respectively."

 

"If we are considering sidelining our premier batsman, arguably the best Pakistan has ever produced, it could send a deeply negative message across the team. There is still time to avoid pressing the panic button; we should focus on safeguarding our key players rather than undermining them," he wrote.

 

After his tweet, PCB issued him a show-cause notice.

 

 He responded to the notice, saying, 'I am under the PCB, and I must accept the decisions; writing about Babar Azam was not meant to criticize or hurt anyone. PCB's central contract is of the opinion; I spoke as a fellow player; my only aim was for Babar Azam to have a chance in difficult times. PCB is our institution; we will continue to respect it.'

 

Later, he was dropped from the South Africa and Australia tour.

 

It merits mention that he has also not been included in the PCB central contract for 2024-25.