Mon Dec 09 18:31:00 UTC 2024: ## Pakistan Cricketer Fakhar Zaman’s Future Hinges on Fitness, Says Coach
**KARACHI, PAKISTAN –** Veteran batsman Fakhar Zaman’s exclusion from Pakistan’s upcoming tour of South Africa is due to fitness concerns, according to interim white-ball head coach Aaqib Javed. Zaman, who was also omitted from the recent series against Australia and Zimbabwe and did not receive a central contract, remains a valued player, Javed emphasized.
“Fakhar is a match-winning player,” Javed told Samaa TV. “He had fitness issues, but if he improves, the selection committee will definitely reconsider him.”
Speculation linked Zaman’s exclusion to previous criticisms he leveled against the team’s management. However, Javed clarified that fitness, not controversy, is the primary factor in his current absence. The 34-year-old will have a chance to earn his place back in the national team once he addresses these concerns.
Pakistan will play South Africa in three T20Is starting December 10th, followed by three ODIs and two Test matches. Separate squads have been named for each series, with Zaman notably absent from all three. The full squad lists were published alongside this announcement.
First Piper 