Pakistan Fitness Scare: Were Babar Azam And Fakhar Zaman Selected For T20 World Cup Despite Injury?

A new controversy is brewing inside Pakistan cricket. Questions are being raised about the fitness of senior players. Reports suggest Babar Azam and Fakhar Zaman may not have been fully fit when selected. Both players were part of Pakistan’s squad for the T20 World Cup. The issue surfaced after concerns were raised within the medical panel. Some officials now suspect the players were carrying injuries earlier than reported. This has triggered a deeper review inside the board.

Why Did PCB Start Investigation?

The inquiry was ordered by the Pakistan Cricket Board. The board wanted clarity about the players’ medical reports. Senior selector Aaqib Javed had earlier voiced concerns in a press conference. He hinted that something about the fitness reports did not look normal. After that statement, the board decided to review the matter. Medical documents and reports are now being checked again. Officials want to know if proper procedures were followed during team selection.

What Did Medical Review Reveal?

The issue became clearer after the tournament ended. A UK-based consultant doctor examined both players. The medical expert is Dr Javed Mughal. He had recently joined PCB’s medical panel as director of sports exercise and medicine. After evaluating the players, he reportedly raised serious concerns. According to sources, the injuries were more serious than initially believed. This created doubts about whether the players should have played the tournament.

How Did Injury Story Come Out?

The controversy surfaced soon after the World Cup ended. Babar Azam refused to play in Pakistan’s National T20 Championship. He cited a muscle strain in his leg. Around the same time, Fakhar Zaman was also dealing with similar issues. When doctors checked Babar again, they found the injury more serious. Fakhar too was reportedly struggling with the same problem for months. These findings raised doubts about earlier fitness clearances.

Did Physio Clear The Players?

Sources say the national selection committee had taken clearance from team physio Cliff Deacon. Only after that approval were the players included in the World Cup squad. However, some insiders claim this was not the first such case. It is alleged that minor injuries were sometimes ignored earlier as well. Critics argue that close relationships between players and medical staff may have influenced decisions. The board is now reviewing whether medical standards were followed properly.

Are Selectors Happy With System?

The controversy has also sparked debate about Pakistan’s selection system. Chief coach Mike Hesson has been given wide powers in team selection. Some selectors feel the structure needs balance. Senior selectors including Misbah-ul-Haq and Sarfraz Ahmed recently discussed the issue publicly. They suggested reviewing the current selection process. The matter was discussed during a media briefing in Lahore. Officials want clearer roles between selectors and team management.

What Happens Next In PCB?

The Pakistan Cricket Board is expected to review its selection structure soon. Selectors say they will meet the coach and captain once the team returns from tour. The aim is to design a more transparent system. Officials want to avoid similar controversies in the future. For now, the focus remains on the medical review of players. Whether the investigation reveals negligence or simple misjudgment is still unclear. The board’s final findings will likely decide the next steps.