Fakhar Zaman set to be given central contract after ‘apologetic reply’ to PCB: Report

The left-handed batter has reportedly been given the central contract and has also been reintegrated into Pakistan's ODI set-up following his apologetic response

Pakistan left-handed batter Fakhar Zaman has reportedly been reinstated with a central contract following a brief disciplinary setback. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has decided to issue only a reprimand following his breach of players’ code of conduct due to a post regarding captain Babar Azam.

A PCB source confirmed that a committee will soon be formed to assess Fakhar’s response to the notice over his blunt remarks on social media.

In response to the board’s notice, Fakhar expressed regret and acknowledged his actions with an apologetic tone.

“Fakhar’s reply is apologetic, and he has expressed remorse,” a source close to the PCB said, adding that positive discussions took place between Fakhar and the Board.

These discussions, which reportedly took place with Chairman Mohsin Naqvi and newly-elected ODI captain Mohammad Rizwan, have led to the decision of reintegrating Fakhar into Pakistan’s white-ball squad. The left-handed batter is now expected to make his comeback in the Men in Green’s upcoming ODI series against South Africa in December.

“He is most likely to be first included in the squad for the SA white-ball matches and will then be added to the central contracts list,” the source said.

With Pakistan set to host the ICC Champions Trophy next year, both Rizwan and the selectors agreed that Fakhar’s aggressive playstyle can come in handy for the Men in Green in the tournament.

“Rizwan and the selectors agreed that Fakhar was still required for the white-ball squad especially with the Champions Trophy tournament being held in Pakistan early next year,” the source concluded.

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