PCB Asked to Probe Babar Fakhar Injury Claims

LAHORE (Web Desk) – Pakistan’s men’s selection committee has formally asked the Pakistan Cricket Board to launch an inquiry into the reported injuries of senior batters Babar Azam and Fakhar Zaman during the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, committee member Aaqib Javed revealed on Saturday.

Pakistan, the 2009 champions, failed to reach the semi-finals of the tournament and are currently playing a three-match ODI series against Bangladesh. For this series, six key players—including Babar Azam and Fakhar Zaman—were rested, a decision that sparked criticism from fans who accused selectors of mixing formats in team selection.

Speaking at a press conference at Gaddafi Stadium, Javed explained that both players were not considered for the Bangladesh tour due to fitness concerns that surfaced after the World Cup. He said Babar had been examined by the team doctor after returning from the tournament and was deemed unfit to play both the ODI series and the National T20 Cup.

Javed questioned how the injuries were only reported after the World Cup had ended, raising concerns about whether the players’ fitness was properly monitored during the tournament. He said the selectors should have been informed earlier if the players were not fully fit while representing the national side.

The press conference was also attended by fellow selectors Sarfaraz Ahmed, Asad Shafiq, and Misbah-ul-Haq.

Addressing criticism about the squad selection for the Bangladesh series, Javed clarified that the committee had already planned to send younger players after the T20 World Cup. He said emerging talents such as Maaz Sadaqat were given opportunities as part of a strategy to expand Pakistan’s player pool and build depth for future competitions.