Shocking Decision: Why Pakistan Benched Fakhar Zaman Ahead of South Africa T20I Series

After a tough loss in the second Test against South Africa, the Pakistan cricket team is now preparing to face the hosts in a three-match T20I series, starting Tuesday. A few days before the series, the Pakistan selectors announced the T20I squad for South Africa, and one major surprise was the exclusion of Fakhar Zaman from the main lineup. Instead, the left-handed opener has been placed in the reserves, while Babar Azam returns as captain to lead the Pakistan T20 team once again.

The decision to drop Fakhar Zaman surprised fans and cricket experts alike, especially after his solid performance in the Asia Cup 2025, where he finished as Pakistan’s second-highest run-scorer behind Sahibzada Farhan.

Fakhar played a key role in the Asia Cup final against India, scoring briskly and helping Pakistan post a competitive total. Despite these impressive performances, the team management decided to rest Fakhar Zaman for the South Africa T20I series, focusing on squad rotation and player workload.

Ahead of the first match, Pakistan's head coach addressed the media and explained the reasoning behind the decision. “We’ve spoken with Fakhar Zaman, he’s determined to make a strong ODI comeback, so we’ve given him a break from T20 cricket to work on his batting technique,” he said. The coach emphasised that the move was part of a long-term strategy to help Fakhar regain consistency and improve his game for the 50-over format ahead of future Pakistan ODI series.

Fakhar Zaman’s Next Move: Preparing for a Big ODI Comeback

Since the 2023 ICC Cricket World Cup, where Fakhar Zaman was one of Pakistan’s top performers and key run-scorers, the left-handed opener has faced several challenges.

Over the past year, he has struggled with recurring injuries and minor disciplinary issues, affecting his consistency and availability for international matches. 

Fakhar has missed multiple games due to fitness concerns and workload management. Additionally, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) issued a warning to him for making public comments in support of Babar Azam during a previous leadership controversy within the Pakistan cricket setup.

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Fakhar last played an ODI during the opening game of the Champions Trophy before getting injured again. Now at 35, he wants to focus on his ODI career and return stronger. Taking a short break from T20Is will allow him to work on his form, fitness, and technique as he looks to make a strong comeback to Pakistan’s ODI squad.

Frequently Asked Questions 

1. Why was Fakhar Zaman dropped from Pakistan’s T20I squad against South Africa?

Fakhar Zaman was rested from the T20I series against South Africa to focus on improving his batting technique and fitness for a potential ODI comeback. According to Pakistan’s head coach, the decision was made as part of a long-term strategy to help him prepare for the upcoming 50-over tournaments.

2. Did Fakhar Zaman perform well before being dropped from the T20I squad?

Yes, Fakhar Zaman performed strongly in the Asia Cup 2025, where he finished as Pakistan’s second-highest run-scorer after Sahibzada Farhan. He also played a vital innings in the final against India, helping Pakistan post a competitive total before being rested for the South Africa T20Is.

3. What did Pakistan’s head coach say about Fakhar Zaman’s exclusion?

Pakistan’s head coach clarified that Fakhar Zaman’s omission from the South Africa T20I squad was not due to poor form but a planned break. The coach revealed that Fakhar requested time to work on his technique and fitness to prepare for an ODI comeback, emphasising it was a mutual and career-focused decision.

4. Has Fakhar Zaman faced any issues since the 2023 World Cup?

Since the 2023 ICC Cricket World Cup, Fakhar Zaman has dealt with injuries and minor disciplinary issues. He missed several matches due to fitness concerns and was also cautioned by the PCB for publicly supporting Babar Azam during a leadership controversy in Pakistan cricket.

5. Will Fakhar Zaman return to Pakistan’s ODI squad soon?

Fakhar Zaman is expected to make a comeback in Pakistan’s ODI setup once he regains full fitness and refines his batting technique. With his focus now on improving consistency and form, selectors and fans anticipate his return in the upcoming ODI series later in 2025.