Fakhar Zaman refutes retirement rumors following Pakistan's CT 2025 exit

Pakistan cricket is going through a rough phase, having been eliminated from the ICC Champions Trophy despite hosting the tournament. The defending champions lost two consecutive games in Group A, becoming the first team to be virtually knocked out. Their elimination was confirmed shortly after New Zealand defeated Bangladesh. With New Zealand and India securing qualification, Bangladesh and Pakistan were eliminated from the competition. The disappointing performance of the host in their home ICC tournament has sparked a wave of criticism. From players to management, both the team and selectors are facing intense scrutiny for their performances and selection choices.

Fakhar Zaman dashes retirement speculations in a swift move

In the midst of mounting criticism directed at both the team and the Pakistan Cricket Board, recent reports speculated of a senior player being on the verge of announcing his retirement from ODI cricket. As per the report, opener Fakhar Zaman was rumored to call time on his ODI career. Sources linked to the Pakistani media outlet revealed that he had spoken about his decision with some senior teammates during the Champions Trophy.

The report cited Zaman’s ongoing health concerns as the primary reason behind his decision. The 34-year-old, who has been battling hyperthyroidism, was also forced out of the Champions Trophy after sustaining an injury in Pakistan’s opening game against New Zealand at the National Stadium in Karachi. The injury, which occurred while fielding in the Group A fixture, ruled him out for the remainder of the tournament, with a recovery period expected to last at least three months. Additionally, the report claimed that Zaman has been discontent with Pakistan’s selection policies, particularly regarding the issuance of No-Objection Certificates (NOCs) for overseas leagues, and is considering relocating abroad with his family.

However, in the latest update, Zaman himself has refuted the speculations. Reportedly, the PCB had advised the batter against any hasty decisions. While the earlier reports suggested Zaman shifting base to extend his reach into league cricket, the opener has dashed the possibility. Zaman is currently at the National Cricket Academy in Lahore, recovering from an oblique tear that he endured during the ICC Champions Trophy opener against New Zealand. 

"Well, I've also heard a lot about this and my friends have also sent messages. There is no truth in this. One-day is my favourite format and, yes, because of my thyroid (problem) I was thinking of taking some time off from cricket. But retirement never crossed my mind. I want to play One-day, T20, even I want to play Test cricket," Zaman said in a video posted by the PCB.

In conversation with @FakharZamanLive 🎙️

The left-handed batter talks about the emotions after the tournament-ending injury in ICC Champions Trophy, his ongoing rehab and addresses rumours of his retirement. pic.twitter.com/RPsRAcTbkP

— Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) February 26, 2025

Having featured in 86 ODIs for Pakistan, Zaman amassed 3,651 runs at an average of 46.21. His most memorable innings came in the 2017 Champions Trophy final at The Oval, where his blistering century against India propelled Pakistan to their maiden title. However, the team’s title defense in 2025 ended in disappointment, as losses to New Zealand and India saw them crash out of the tournament. Their elimination was confirmed on Monday following New Zealand’s victory over Bangladesh in Rawalpindi. Pakistan will conclude their campaign with a match against Bangladesh on Thursday at the Rawalpindi Cricket Ground.