Pakistan national cricket team’s star batsman Fakhar Zaman, who recently launched his Alkhidmat Fakhar Zaman Cricket Academy in Lahore, has made a shocking comment on current Test captain Babar Azam amid the team’s ongoing Test tour of West Indies.
He has also pointed out an interesting difference between his batting style and Babar Azam’s approach, which may surprise many. The Pakistani star also revealed the name of his batting idol. Meanwhile, Shadab Khan explains why India’s clash eclipsed Pakistan’s World Cup campaign.
Fakhar Zaman releases big fitness update after months of hard work at NCA
Fakhar Zaman said he has spent the last few months at the National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Lahore and worked hard on his fitness and batting.
The left-handed batsman also revealed that all the minor injuries that were troubling him have now healed and he has now started playing again.
Fakhar Zaman told Salman Butt on his podcast on YouTube, “I have been staying here for the last 2-3 months to work on my fitness and I have made the most of it. I have worked a lot and I am working hard on my batting and fitness while being at the NCA. Now all my problems have been fixed and I have started playing again.”
Fakhar Zaman dismisses age concerns with a bold revelation
The opening batsman also stressed that turning 30 is not the biggest challenge for a cricketer, adding that success depends on staying fit, training with full intensity and matching the energy of the younger players. He believes that discipline and dedication are more important than age.
He also revealed that Misbah-ul-Haq had told him that he believed he was capable of playing international cricket even at the age of 42, but he retired much earlier. Earlier, Jason Gillespie calls Aaqib Javed a ‘muppet’, rejects claims of Pakistan coaching stint.
The senior batsman said, “What should you pay more attention to after 30? What makes you better? I don’t hide anywhere in the field, nor does anyone hide me. I go to the hot spots everywhere. I am not much concerned with my age. How do you carry yourself? How do you train? Do you compete with the youngsters? I think these things matter a lot.”
Fakhar Zaman exposes Babar Azam’s cautious batting mindset with surprising revelation
Meanwhile, Fakhar also opened up about Babar Azam’s batting mentality during the team discussion. He revealed that Babar generally prefers a cautious approach, suggesting the batsmen to slow down and avoid unnecessary risks.
However, Fakhar admitted that he does not follow the captain’s style. The Pakistan star shared, “Whenever we sit in a meeting, Babar says, ‘When you hit a shot,’ he says, ‘You have hit one; now be a little more careful.’ I hit the next one too.”
42 years old getting loan for more than one year already getting loan for more than one year already getting loan for more than one year once you start your career then you get a good option then maar dita फ़कर зमान#PakistanCricket pic.twitter.com/6F6xT5BPw2
– Kiran Khan (@HelloKiranKhan) July 19, 2026
Fakhar Zaman called AB de Villiers the biggest inspiration behind his fearless batting.
The aggressive opening batsman also revealed that legendary South African batsman AB de Villiers has always been his biggest inspiration, and he has tried to bring the same fearless intent in his batting as well.
Zaman signed off by saying, “I really like AB de Villiers and his style. I felt like his batting, I wish I could be like him. So, when I feel I can hit the ball, I do.”
Fakhar Zaman
“I got 2-3 months to work on my fitness and I took full advantage of it. I have overcome all my fitness problems and now I am working hard on my batting and fitness while being at NCA.
My target now is the 2027 ICC ODI World Cup.” pic.twitter.com/725wyMoGYL
– Mian Ahmed (@aHmADmIaN150) July 19, 2026
