Karachi, Feb 26: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has reportedly advised Fakhar Zaman against making a hasty decision regarding his retirement from One Day Internationals (ODIs). The experienced opener is said to be contemplating stepping away from the 50-over format following his injury-enforced exclusion from the ICC Champions Trophy.
Sources close to the left-handed batter suggest that Fakhar, who sustained an injury during the opening game against New Zealand, is disheartened by his recurring fitness issues. Having returned to the national squad after an extended absence post the 2023 World Cup, he has been battling multiple setbacks, including a chronic knee problem since 2022.
"He is upset and mentally drained due to his ongoing fitness struggles," a source revealed. "He believes that retiring from ODIs and focusing solely on T20 cricket could help him prolong his playing career."
Fakhar, who has not featured in Test cricket since early 2019, is primarily recognized as a white-ball specialist. However, a PCB insider stated that the board has urged him to take a measured approach before making any final decision.
"He has been advised to take a break and focus on regaining full fitness before making a call on his ODI career. The PCB has asked him not to act out of frustration," the source added.
Notably, Fakhar was omitted from the PCB’s central contracts list for the 2024/25 season and previously received a show cause notice from the board over his social media post concerning Babar Azam’s selection matters.
With the Pakistan Super League (PSL) and the national team’s upcoming tour of New Zealand in March-April, Fakhar faces a race against time to regain peak fitness. The left-hander, who turns 35 in April, has amassed 11 centuries in 86 ODIs and has represented Pakistan in 92 T20 Internationals and three Tests.
As the cricketing fraternity awaits his decision, all eyes will be on Fakhar Zaman’s next move.