The Pakistan Cricket Board’s (PCB) medical team has expressed concerns regarding the fitness levels of seasoned cricketers Babar Azam and Fakhar Zaman at the time of their selection for the recently concluded T20 World Cup 2026. These worries were echoed by senior selector Aaqib Javed during a media briefing last week, prompting the board to look into the issue further.
According to a source familiar with the situation, Dr. Javed Mughal, a UK-based consultant specializing in sports physiotherapy and medicine, raised alarms after evaluating both players post-tournament. Dr. Mughal joined the PCB as the director of sports exercise and medicine in January.
The concerns intensified when Babar opted out of the National T20 Championship following the World Cup, citing hamstring discomfort, a situation mirrored by Fakhar, who has also been dealing with a similar issue.
“Upon examination, Babar’s injury was found to be more severe than initially thought, and Fakhar has been battling the same ailment for several months,” the source revealed.
Despite these revelations, the national selection committee clarified that both players were included in the World Cup squad after receiving medical clearance from the team’s physiotherapist, Cliffe Deacon.
In other news, the Sunrisers Leeds have stirred controversy after acquiring Pakistani cricketer Abrar Ahmed during The Hundred player auction. As the first Indian-owned franchise to sign a Pakistani player, Sunrisers Leeds faced backlash, especially after their official X account was temporarily suspended shortly after the announcement. No specific reason was given for the suspension.
Abrar was signed for approximately Rs 2.34 crore, following Usman Tariq’s acquisition by Birmingham Phoenix for GBP 140,000 (around Rs 1.72 crore). Notably, no IPL franchise has signed a Pakistani player since 2009 due to ongoing tensions between India and Pakistan.
Fans reacted strongly on social media, voicing their discontent over the signing amid the current political climate, criticizing both the Sunrisers franchise and owner Kavya Maran.
(With PTI Inputs)