Pakistan’s early exit from the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 has triggered another controversy within the country’s cricket setup. Senior players, including Babar Azam and Fakhar Zaman, have come under scrutiny after Pakistan selector Aaqib Javed questioned whether the players carried injuries during the tournament without proper disclosure.
Pakistan’s campaign ended in disappointment after they failed to progress beyond the Super 8 stage, continuing a worrying trend of underwhelming performances in recent ICC tournaments. With criticism mounting over team selection and player performances, fresh questions have now been raised about fitness management within the squad.
Aaqib Javed demands clarity over players’ fitness
Speaking at a press conference, Javed expressed concern over the fitness status of several players during the T20 World Cup. The former Pakistan fast bowler revealed that after returning from the tournament, it was discovered that Babar had been dealing with an injury that now prevents him from participating in domestic competitions.
Javed said the selectors were unaware of the injury issues during the World Cup and have now requested the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) to investigate the matter. According to him, it is worrying that players like Babar and Fakhar were reportedly unfit while still being part of the national squad during such a crucial tournament.
He emphasized that the team management, including the head coach and medical staff, are responsible for monitoring player fitness during international events. Javed questioned why the selectors were not informed earlier if key players were struggling physically during the competition.
“Babar Azam is not fit to play. Fakhar Zaman is not fit to play. Salman Mirza is not fit to play. We are requesting the PCB to conduct an inquiry. How is it possible that both Fakhar and Babar were unfit? After the World Cup, we have learned about their injuries. So, does that mean that during the T20 World Cup their fitness was not being monitored? Were they not fully fit despite being part of the squad? We selectors should be aware of this, but when the players go for the World Cup, their health issues and injury concerns should be looked after by the head coach and the physio. We should have been informed,” said Javed in a presser.
Javed explains reason behind the absence of Babar from Bangladesh series
After Pakistan returned from the tournament, medical staff examined Babar and confirmed that his injury would prevent him from participating in upcoming domestic competitions, including the ongoing National T20 Championship and Pakistan’s series against Bangladesh.
According to Javed, the star batter was eager to play but has been advised against doing so due to the injury. This revelation has further intensified debate around Pakistan’s preparation and player management during the World Cup. The situation has raised concerns about whether injured players were risked during the global event, potentially affecting their performance and Pakistan’s overall campaign.
“When he came back from Sri Lanka, our doctors examined him (Babar Azam). His injury is preventing him from playing this series (vs Bangladesh) and the National T20. He wanted to play, but the injury is not allowing him to do so,” added Javed.
