Tue Oct 15 05:10:00 UTC 2024: ## Pakistan Cricketer Fakhar Zaman Faces Show Cause Notice for Criticizing Babar Azam Drop

**KARACHI, PAKISTAN** – The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has issued a show cause notice to star batsman Fakhar Zaman for his public criticism of the selection committee’s decision to drop captain Babar Azam from the ongoing Test series against England. Zaman took to social media platform X (formerly Twitter) to express his concerns about the move, calling it a “deeply negative message” for the team.

Zaman’s statement, posted shortly before the Pakistan squad for the remaining two Tests was announced, questioned the rationale behind dropping Azam, who has been in a slump but is widely regarded as one of Pakistan’s greatest batsmen. He drew parallels with India’s decision to retain Virat Kohli during his own rough patch, emphasizing the need to “safeguard our key players.”

The PCB has given Zaman seven days to explain his position, potentially escalating the existing tension between the player and the board. This incident follows Zaman’s previous complaint about the delay in granting NOCs for overseas T20 leagues by PCB Director of International Cricket Operations, Usman Wahla.

The show cause notice adds another layer of drama to the ongoing England tour, where Pakistan are struggling to maintain their form. The situation highlights the growing pressure on the PCB and the selection committee as the team navigates through a challenging period.

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