New Delhi: Pakistani batter Fakhar Zaman has denied retirement rumours, clarifying that he took a break from cricket due to a thyroid issue. Recently included in the Champions Trophy squad, Fakhar was injured during the opening match against New Zealand and was unable to bat at the top of the order.
Fakhar Zaman was subsequently sidelined from the tournament because of an oblique tear, with Imam-ul-Haq, who last featured in an ODI during the 2023 World Cup in India, replacing him. Fakhar emphasized that retirement was never on his mind and reiterated his ambition to play Test cricket for Pakistan.
“Well, I’ve also heard a lot about this, and my friends have also sent messages. There is no truth in this. One-day is my favourite format and, yes, because of my thyroid problem, I was thinking of taking some time off from cricket. But retirement never crossed my mind. I want to play one-day, T20, I even want to play Test cricket,” Fakhar said in a video uploaded on Pakistan Cricket’s X.
In conversation with @FakharZamanLive
The left-handed batter talks about the emotions after the tournament-ending injury in ICC Champions Trophy, his ongoing rehab and addresses rumours of his retirement. pic.twitter.com/RPsRAcTbkP
— Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) February 26, 2025
Previously, PTI reported that the PCB had counselled Fakhar to avoid making any rushed decisions about retirement following his unfortunate exit from the Champions Trophy.
Fakhar also spoke about his plans for a return, sharing that after the injury, he had a feeling it would be challenging for him to fully recover his fitness.
“As far as my comeback from injury is concerned, I will hopefully return to competitive cricket in a month. I got an idea about my Champions Trophy campaign ending after the pain I felt,” Fakhar added.
Meanwhile, Pakistan’s exit from the tournament was confirmed after back-to-back defeats to New Zealand and India. Their last game will be against Bangladesh, led by Najmul Hossain Shanto, on February 27 at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium.
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