Pakistan cricket team has faced an embarrassing defeat against England in the first match of the ongoing three match test series. Pakistan trailing series 0-1 against the visitors. After the first match defeat, Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has taken a bold step by removing three star cricketers, along with Babar Azam, from the second test match squad. It is said that Babar was not removed from the site but asked to rest.

Cricket pundits like Michael Vaughan openly criticised PCB’s decision to ‘rest’ Babar Azam from the second test match against the in-form England side. Michael Vaughan said, ‘It is a stupid decision.’ Now Fakhar Zaman, a regular in Pakistan’s white ball team, has openly said against the PCB decision to put Babar outside the field. Along with Babar pacers like Shaheen Shah Afridi and Naseem Shah, they were also not included in the second test match.

Fakhar wrote from his official ‘X’ account, “It’s concerning to hear suggestions about dropping Babar Azam. India didn’t bench Virat Kohli during his rough stretch between 2020 and 2023, when he averaged 19.33, 28.21, and 26.50, respectively. If we are considering sidelining our premier batsman, arguably the best Pakistan has ever produced, it could send a deeply negative message across the tea m.”

He further added, “There is still time to avoid pressing the panic button; we should focus on safeguarding our key players rather than undermining them.” After the post supporting Babar Azam, PCB issued a show cause notice to Fakhar Zaman.

Vaughan wrote on social media, “So, Pakistan haven’t won in a while… Go 1-nil down in the series and decide to drop the best player in @babarazam258. I guess Pakistan cricket is full of surprises, but this tops the lot… absolutely stupid decision… unless he has asked for a break!!!”

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