boycott of Fakhar Zaman From Pakistan’s playing eleven Second T20I against Australia This has sparked widespread debate among fans and former cricketers. Pakistan won the toss and elected to bat first in the match being played at the iconic Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore, but Fakhar’s absence even before the first ball was bowled was one of the biggest talking points.
Fakhar Zaman has no place in Pakistan’s playing eleven.
Fakhar Zaman was dropped from the team after a disappointing performance in the opening match of the series, where he could score only 10 runs in 16 balls.
Meanwhile, former Pakistan captain Younis Khan has openly supported Fakhar despite disagreeing with the decision to drop the batsman. Younis insisted that Fakhar’s real value lies at the top of the order and that his skill set is being under-utilised when he is asked to bat lower down the order.
Younis confidently said that if Fakhar is allowed to open the innings, he can guarantee an explosive start during the powerplay – arguably even more aggressive from Australia’s perspective. According to him, Fakhar’s natural instincts and strokeplay are best suited for an opening role, where he can take advantage of fielding restrictions.
Younis further explained that pushing Fakhar to No. 4 or No. 5 goes against the batsman’s natural game. Although some middle-order batsmen may be suited to opening, the reverse is often more challenging.
He said that even if the opening slot is not available, Fakhar should ideally be placed at No. 3, a position where he has previously produced match-winning performances for Pakistan.
Younis Khan supports Fakhar Zaman, urges management to restore him in his natural role
Fakhar Zaman is a rare talent who is capable of single-handedly winning matches for Pakistan, yet his impact is diminishing due to mismanagement of his role in the team.
East Pakistan… pic.twitter.com/8v3OIZvU7s
– CricketVillage 🇬🇧🇵🇰🇦🇺🇮🇳🇿🇦🇧🇩🇱🇰 (@MSohailAfzal10) 31 January 2026
Also read: PAK vs AUS – Salman Ali Aga reveals Pakistan’s No. 3 batsman for T20 World Cup 2026
PAK vs AUS, 2nd T20I: Playing XI of both teams
Australia: Matthew Short, Travis Head, Mitchell Marsh (c), Cameron Green, Josh Inglis (wk), Matt Renshaw, cooper connollyXavier Bartlett, Sean Abbott, Matthew Kuhnman, Adam Zampa
Pakistan: Sahibzada Farhan, Saim Ayub, Salman Aga (captain), Babar Azam, Usman Khan (wicketkeeper), Mohammad Nawaz, Shadab Khan, Faheem Ashraf, Abrar Ahmed, Naseem Shah, Usman Tariq.
Also read: PAK vs AUS, 2nd T20I, Match Prediction – Who will win today’s game between Pakistan and Australia?
