Controversy sparked when Pakistan Cricket Board's selection committee opted to exclude Babar Azam from the squad of Pakistan Cricket Team from the second and the third Test match of the series against England. Babar was going through a lean patch for a very long time and he found ways to get dismissed during the high-scoring first Test match at Multan which Pakistan ended up losing by an innings. Considering that a big change is needed, Pakistan Cricket Board announced the squad for the remainder of the series without Babar Azam. Although the communication from the team management was Babar was rested and given a break to rejuvinate, speculations continued. The controversy was further boosted through a post from Pakistan cricket Fakhar Zaman on 'X". 'Babar Azam Rested, Not Dropped' Pakistan Cricket Team Assistant Coach Azhar Mahmood Clears the Air Around Omission of 'No 1 Player' From Squad for Remaining PAK vs ENG Tests 2024 (Watch Video).

Fakhar shared a post on social media on October 13 condemning the exclusion of Babar Azam as he cited that sidelining Pakistan Cricket Team's premier batsman, arguably the best Pakistan has ever produced, could send a deeply negative message across the team. He also emphasised on safeguarding the key players like Babar Azam rather than undermining them. He also gave the example of Virat Kohli and his average across three years since 2020 to show how India stood by Kohli in his lean patch. Brad Hogg Takes Jibe at Fakhar Zaman for ‘Baseless’ Comparison Between Babar Azam and Virat Kohli After Pakistan Star’s Omission From Remaining Tests vs England.

Fakhar Zaman's Post

Although, the Pakistan Cricket Board on Monday issued a show cause notice to Fakhar Zaman on his remarks about the selection committee's decision to exclude Babar Azam.  Zaman now has seven days to 'explain his position' to the PCB. According to Cricbuzz, the move has the potential to further draw a wedge between Zaman and the board.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Oct 14, 2024 07:56 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).