PCB issues show-cause notice to Fakhar Zaman for supporting Babar Azam

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has issued a show cause notice to opening batter Fakhar Zaman after he voiced support for former captain Babar Azam following his exclusion from second and third Tests against England.

In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Zaman criticised the PCB's decision to drop Azam and referred to him as "our premier batsman".

“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 the best Pakistan has ever produced, it could send a deeply negative message across the team."

The PCB has given Zaman seven days to explain his position.

Meanwhile, Pakistan are set to face England in the second Test in Multan on October 15 after the visitors won the first game by an inning and 47 runs.