In a surprising turn of events, Fakhar Zaman, a senior batter for Pakistan, has been excluded from the Pakistan Cricket Board’s (PCB) central contracts for the first time in eight years. PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi addressed the media in Lahore following the announcement of the central contracts and white-ball squads, shedding light on the reasons behind this significant decision.

Naqvi pointed out that Zaman’s omission was influenced by two main factors: ongoing fitness concerns and his recent controversial comments on social media regarding the selection committee. Specifically, Fakhar tweeted his discontent over the decision to drop Babar Azam from the Test squad for the final matches against England, which raised eyebrows within the PCB.

“Tweet was one issue, but the bigger matter was fitness. There is a show-cause notice pending against him, and we will see about that. He would need to prove his fitness; his point of view was valued in the Connection Camp, and I am very thankful to him for that, but you cannot go around commenting on the selection committee over selection calls. But ya, the bigger issue is of selection,” Mohsin Naqvi said in the press conferenc.

The lefthander played a key role in Pakistan's champions trophy winning campaign in 2017, Alongside Zaman, several notable players, including opening batter Imam-ul-Haq, all-rounder Imad Wasim, spinner Usama Mir, and pacers Zaman Khan and Hasan Ali, have also been left off the central contract list.