Fakhar Zaman Dismisses Retirement Rumors from T20I Cricket
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Mumbai, April 7 (NationPress) The dynamic Pakistani cricketer Fakhar Zaman, currently facing a two-match suspension in the Pakistan Super League (PSL), has refuted rumors regarding his retirement from T20 internationals amidst speculations about moving to the United States, as reported on Tuesday.
Social media buzzed with claims that Fakhar, who is set to celebrate his 36th birthday on Friday, relocated his family to the USA and planned to retire from T20I formats. Additionally, he has been struggling with various fitness challenges, including hormonal imbalances that lead to recurring injuries.
Sources close to the cricketer revealed to Telecom Asia Sport that Fakhar is not retiring and has communicated this to the Pakistan Cricket Board and the selection committee. He also has no intentions of leaving Pakistan.
In the recent T20I World Cup, the star batsman played only two matches, registering scores of 25 and 84, demonstrating his usual aggression without any sign of fitness concerns. However, he had to withdraw from the ODI team for the Bangladesh tour due to ongoing fitness challenges.
These fitness issues have led to speculation about his potential departure from T20Is to focus on the ODI format.
Pakistan's next T20I match is scheduled for October against Sri Lanka, while they will face Australia in an ODI series at home during May-June this year.
“Fakhar is committed to participating in the 2028 T20I World Cup and is actively working on improving his fitness. He also aspires to represent Pakistan at the Los Angeles Olympics, as the country is likely to secure a spot alongside India,” sources informed www.telecomasia.net.
Fakhar is currently serving a two-match suspension for alleged ball tampering during a match between Lahore Qalandars and Karachi Kings on March 29 in the PSL. He denied the allegations before match referee Roshan Mahanama.
However, the match referee dismissed his explanation, and a PCB committee upheld the suspension after a hearing.