Lahore: Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has issued show cause notice to Fakhar Zaman after he publicly criticised decision to drop Babar Azam for the second and third Tests against England.

In a post on X, Zaman expressed concern over reports of dropping Azam, referring to him as “Our premier batsman”. He suggested that such move could send a deeply negative message across the team and urged the PCB to reconsider. “It is concerning to hear suggestions about dropping Babar Azam,” Zaman posted. “India didn’t bench Virat Kohli during his rough stretch between 2020 and 2023.

“If we are considering sidelining our premier batsman, arguably best Pakistan has ever produced, it could send a deeply negative message across the team.” Zaman’s comments came just five minutes before PCB announced its 16-member squad for remaining two tests against England, which did not include Azam, Shaheen Afridi, or Naseem Shah. PCB has given Zaman seven days to explain his position, and this development could further strain the relationship between Zaman and the board.