Pakistan cricket is reeling from a major fitness controversy involving captain Babar Azam and opener Fakhar Zaman ahead of the T20 World Cup. Leaked reports suggest both were nursing injuries when named to the squad, leading to widespread criticism of the team’s medical staff.
Aaqib Javed’s public call for a PCB investigation during a media briefing amplified the uproar. Dr. Javed Mughal, a key figure in the board’s medical panel, echoed these concerns, highlighting potential lapses in evaluation. Babar’s injury, initially downplayed, was later diagnosed as significantly worse after the tournament, sidelining him from domestic T20 commitments.
Fakhar’s prolonged recovery period adds fuel to the fire. All eyes are on physio Cliff Deacon, accused of routinely approving borderline cases. Selection officials defend their choices, claiming reliance on professional clearances, but the backlash is intense.
PCB officials have committed to a full probe, promising transparency. Outcomes could range from reprimands to major overhauls in fitness protocols. As Babar focuses on rehab for an imminent PSL return captaining Peshawar Zalmi, this episode underscores deep-rooted issues in player management that could haunt Pakistan’s white-ball campaigns.