The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has released its latest list of centrally contracted players for the 2024-25 season, with notable exclusions sparking discussions within the cricketing community.
Among the most surprising omissions is veteran batter Fakhar Zaman, who previously held a Category B contract. PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi addressed this decision at a press conference, citing fitness concerns as the primary reason behind Zaman's exclusion.
Naqvi also highlighted a recent social media incident involving Zaman, which contributed to the board's decision. The controversy arose from a post on X, where Zaman openly criticised the PCB's decision to drop Babar Azam midway through Pakistan's Test series against England, a statement that did not sit well with the board. "The tweet was an issue, but the bigger matter is his fitness.
There is a show-cause notice pending against him, and we will see about that. He needs to prove his fitness. His viewpoint was appreciated in the Connection Camp, and I am grateful to him for that, but you cannot publicly comment on the selection committee's decisions.