PCB gives out relieving statement amid Pakistan star announcing his ODI retirement after Champions Trophy elimination: Report

Zaman advised to rethink his ODI retirement decision

After reports of Fakhar Zaman retiring from ODI cricket emerged out, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has advised him to re-think his plans. Reports had earlier claimed that the experienced opener is thinking about quitting the format following his injury-based exclusion from the Champions Trophy 2025.

According to sources, Fakhar was sidelined from the ICC event as he sustained an injury in the series opener against New Zealand, and is now thinking about retiring from the 50-over format in order to focus on T20 cricket.
“He is basically upset and down because of his recent fitness and health issues,” a source close to the batsman said.

“He has had some constant health issues which have affected him physically and mentally and he has also had to deal with a chronic knee problem since 2022. He feels best to just focus on the T20 format,” the source added.

However, a reliable source in the PCB has stated that Fakhar was given the message to re-consider his choice, and was advised to not take any decision in a hurry.

“He (Fakhar) has been advised to take a break and first get completely fit and healthy before he makes any decision,” the source revealed.

“Fakhar has been told after that he can take a decision on his ODI career but to do nothing in frustration or haste,” he added.

One thing to be noted is, Fakhar was not included in PCB’s list of central contracts for the 2024/25 season, and was faced with a new show cause notice from the board last year when he made a social media post on Twitter regarding selection issues with Babar Azam.