Fakhar Zaman contemplando a aposentadoria, deseja se libertar das restrições NOC da PCB: Relatório

Fakhar Zaman, the Pakistan cricket team’s explosive opener, is contemplating taking international retirement. The 34-year-old has been struggling with health issues of late. He had hyperthyroidism and was advised to take a two and a half month long bed rest. During this period, he also had a falling out with the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) after he criticised them for dropping Babar Azam from the Test team.

Fakhar Zaman to retire from international cricket

It was reported in October last year that Fakhar was thinking about retiring after he wasn’t granted a central contract. But things didn’t go there. Upon recovering, he returned to Pakistan’s squad for the ICC Champions Trophy. Showing that PCB and Fakhar have no issues. However, in the first over of the tournament, he injured himself.

He came out to bat but wasn’t able to move due to his hampered knee. Visuals of Fakhar crying afterward also emerged. It seems like a reason why he was so saddened was because he might have played his last match for Pakistan.

“The Champions Trophy will be my last ICC tournament. I want to take a break from ODI cricket,” sources close to Fakhar told SamaaTV.

PCB’s role in Fakhar Zaman hanging his boots

The opener apparently wants to relocate out of Pakistan for personal and professional reasons. A major reason behind the change could be PCB’s new No Objection Certificate (NOC) policy. Last year, the board told players, they could also be cleared to play in two foreign cricket leagues.

This disgruntled many players. Several centrally contracted players don’t play consistently and wish to ply their trade elsewhere. This way they can earn and hone their skills as well. Fakhar was also called back from the Caribbean Premier League (CPL) as PCB wanted him to play in the Champions One-day Cup, Pakistan’s new domestic List A competition.

It looks like injuries, growing age, and uncertainty over PCB’s decision-making may have forced Fakhar Zaman to contemplate retirement.