Pakistan’s top batters, Babar Azam and Fakhar Zaman, are facing scrutiny after a poor showing at the T20 World Cup, where the team failed to reach the semi-finals. Pakistan lost to England in the Super 8 stage and their match against New Zealand was called off due to rain. It has emerged that both players may have been carrying injuries during the tournament, potentially affecting their performance. The issue gained attention when Babar Azam opted out of the National T20 Championship immediately after the World Cup.
The PCB medical panel believes that both players were not fully fit during the event. Despite this, both were selected for the squad. Dr Javed Mughal, a UK-based sports physiotherapy expert and former PCB Director of Sports Exercise and Medicine, had previously raised concerns about their fitness following post-tournament assessments.
“When Babar was assessed, his injury was found to be more severe than first thought, and Fakhar has also been dealing with the same issue for several months,” the source said, according to PTI.
Both players were cleared to play by Pakistan’s physiotherapist, Cliffe Deacon, leading to their selection for the World Cup. A source confirmed that the decision was communicated to the PCB medical panel by the national selection committee.
Deacon has previously faced criticism, with allegations suggesting he allows players to compete despite injuries, sometimes influenced by personal relationships.
During a press conference with committee members Misbah-ul-Haq, Sarfaraz Ahmed, and Asad Shafique, former fast bowler and selector Aaqib Javed expressed similar worries, noting that the selection committee had requested the PCB to conduct an official investigation.
“Some players were not part of this series against Bangladesh. Regarding Babar Azam’s injury, when he returned from the T20 World Cup, our doctor examined him. His injury has prevented him from playing the Bangladesh series as well as the National T20 Cup. He wanted to participate, but he is not fit,” he said at the press conference.
“Fakhar is also injured, and we have asked the cricket board to investigate this. Were they included in the squad without being fully fit? As selectors, these are matters we should be aware of,” he added.
“At a World Cup, any health or injury concerns must be closely monitored by the head coach and physio, and we, as selectors, should be informed,” he concluded.
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