Fakhar Zaman denies retirement rumors, vows to return to cricket soon

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan opening batsman Fakhar Zaman has denied rumours of his retirement, taking a break from cricket or going abroad, confirming that he intends to return to the field within a month.

In an interview released by the PCB, Fakhar clarified that there is no truth to the reports of his retirement, saying that he will rejoin the team once he is fully fit. I have considered a short break due to my thyroid problem. My injury has improved significantly over the past week, and the doctors have advised me to resume training in three weeks. I will be back within a month.”

Discussing the Champions Trophy, he said that I had planned a lot for the tournament. Despite doctors advising rest, I started training. Unfortunately, the pain started again when the team needed me the most. When I felt the pain, I realised that my Champions Trophy campaign was over.

Speaking about his batting position, Fakhar said, “Opening is my favourite position, but I will play wherever the team needs me. I wanted to open against New Zealand but the umpires said the rules don’t allow it. Despite the pain, I continued fielding, hopefully I can still get a chance.”

On the India match, he added, “I can’t say much about it because we lost. Cricket is unpredictable. Maybe I could have scored big, but that’s all in the past now.”

Fakhar also expressed his desire to play in all formats – ODIs, T20s and Tests – and said, “My focus is on red-ball cricket, but it depends on the coach and the captain’s plans. There are better Test players than me at the moment.

Highlighting his bowling skills, he said, “I am a better bowler than a batsman. Shadab Khan once told me that when he becomes captain, I will bowl five overs in ODIs and a century in T20s. He even captained a match against New Zealand, but that match did not happen.