NEW DELHI: Pakistan opener Fakhar Zaman has dismissed speculation over his T20I future, firmly ruling out retirement and any plans to move to the United States, according to a report on Tuesday. Social media was abuzz with claims that Fakhar, who turns 36 on Friday, had moved his family to the United States and was considering a move away from T20 internationals. The rumors gained momentum amid his current two-match suspension in the Pakistan Super League (PSL) over ball tampering charges.
Fitness concerns, including recurring injuries related to hormonal issues, added to the speculation.
However, people close to the cricketer have rejected the claims.
“Fakhar is not retiring at all, and has communicated this to the Pakistan Cricket Board and the selection committee, and he will not be leaving Pakistan either,” sources close to the cricketer told Telecom Asia Sport on Tuesday.
Fakhar played two matches in the T20 World Cup, scoring 25 and 84 with his trademark aggression, showing no obvious signs of discomfort.
He later withdrew from the ODI squad for the tour of Bangladesh due to fitness issues, once again sparking reports that he might step away from T20Is to focus on the 50-over format.
Pakistan are not scheduled to play a T20I until October, when they host Sri Lanka, while their next ODI assignment is a home series against Australia in May-June.
Despite the rumors, Fakhar remains focused on his long-term goals.
“Fakhar is determined to play in the 2028 T20I World Cup and is also working on his fitness and before that he wants to represent the country in the Los Angeles Olympics as Pakistan is likely to get a spot alongside India,” sources said.
Fakhar is currently serving a two-match suspension following charges of ball tampering during a Lahore Qalandars match against Karachi Kings on March 29.
He had denied the allegations to match referee Roshan Mahanama, but his explanation was rejected, and a three-member committee of the Pakistan Cricket Board later confirmed the ban after a hearing.