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The ODI World Cup 2023 is in full swing, and cricket enthusiasts from around the globe have been treated to some great encounters so far. The event on Tuesday (October 10) saw another promising clash went underway at Hyderabad’s Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium when Pakistan faced off against Sri Lanka in꧋ the eighth match of the tournament.
Although the cricketing world was abuzz with anticipation as Pakistan took the field against the Islanders, what truly surprised fans was the absence of Pakistan’s star batter Fakhar Zaman from the playing XI.
Babar Azam informs about Fakhar Zaman’s shocking exclusion
Fakhar’s exclusion was confirmed by Pakistan skipper Babar Azam during the toss. He even gave the reason behind the surprising call and said that the top order had not been performing well for quite some time, which led the management to exclude Fakhar. Babar further informed that Abdullah Shafique had replaced the 33-year-old in the playing XI.
“We aren’t up to the mark at the top and we made one change. Abdullah Shafique comes in for Fakhar,” said Babar.
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What led to Zaman getting dropped?
It is worth mentioning that Zaman is currently going through a rough patch in his career. The left-handed batter hasn’t been able to score a single fifty in his last 11 ODI innings and also failed to impress in the Asia Cup 2023 held before the ongoing World Cup.
In contrast to Zaman’s struggles, Shafique has been on an upward trajectory in recent times, and his inclusion in the playing XI for this crucial match against Sri Lanka was not arbitrary. Shafique had displayed promising form, including notching up a half-century against Sri Lanka in the recently concluded Asia Cup, which undoubtedly gave him an edge over Zaman in the playing XI for the World Cup match against the Islanders.
Fans come up with mixed reactions on Fakhar’s exclusion
As the news of Fakhar Zaman’s exclusion spread like wildfire, cricket fans took to social media to express their mixed reactions. It was a decision that divided opinions among the passionate Pakistan cricket fanbase. While some commended the management for making a tough call, others were furious at Zaman’s sudden exclusion from the team.
Here’s how fans reacted:
We may not see Fakhar Zaman again in green shirt 😕.
— Ihsanullah🇵🇰 (@Ihsanullah19988)
Backing Imam over Fakhar Zaman before the games against India in Ahmedabad and Australia in Bengaluru is completely out of my mind. Both are out of form but now we don't have a player in the top 5 with the best power game.
— Cricket In Blood (@CricketInBlood_)
Is the decision to replace Fakhar Zaman with Abdullah Shafiq correct? In my opinion,ꩲ at least Fakhar Zaman should have got a chance till the India match.
— hafiz atiq (@hafizat40078303)
Btw feeling sad for Fakhar Zaman
— 🇵🇸 (@sureeeewee0)
Abdullah Shafique in, Fakhar Zaman out! Worst decision! W𒀰hy Imam is still in the plaꦅying XI?
— Shanzay🇵🇰 (@BushraShanzay)
Thank You Fakhar Zaman for your services.
— Cric mate (@Crickymate07)
We will miss Fak🦄har Zaman’s amazing fielding🌼 efforts in the deep today.
— Zain (@ZainTaufique)
Dropping fakhar before the match is a poor decision, it means we are going against india without fakhar and have zero chances of✨ either making a 330+ score or chasing a 3ꦍ30+ total with imam and abdullah on top..
— @SheikhOfStumps (@SheikhOfStumps)
Des🐟pite inconsistent form, Fakhar♏ Zaman was your first choice batsman to start the World Cup. Why would you drop him after one game?!
Just Pakistan cricket things.
— Chetan Narula (@chetannarula)
Bhai aga💖r tum logo ne Fakhar Zaman ko world cup me nahi khilaana to plz usko kisi tarah injured kr do aur uski jagah Saim Ayub ko world cup bhej dou. Who else is with me on this ?
— Bassam Altaf (@bambianoz)
