Confusion over Babar Azam’s fitness status and selection committee presence sparks debate after Aqib Javed’s press conference remarks.
LAHORE: Aqib Javed, Director of High Performance at the Pakistan Cricket Board, came under social media criticism after appearing to sidestep key questions during a press conference on Saturday.
A journalist asked whether the PCB had issued any official notification regarding the fitness of Pakistan’s star batter Babar Azam, who is reportedly resting following an underwhelming performance during the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup. Another question focused on whether members of the national selection committee were physically present at all matches of the domestic tournament currently being held in Peshawar.
While responding, Javed mentioned the name of chief selector Misbah-ul-Haq but appeared uncertain in his reply. Moments later, he shifted the discussion and asked Misbah to take another question, a move that surprised many observers.
Clips from the press conference quickly circulated online, prompting criticism from fans. One user wrote, “Shame on him,” while another praised the journalist for raising the issue.
Reports indicate that Babar Azam is currently recovering from an injury and is being managed by the team’s medical staff. However, the PCB has not publicly issued a formal fitness declaration confirming that the former captain is officially unfit.
ICC Fines Salman Ali Agha
In a separate development, the International Cricket Council fined Pakistan’s Salman Ali Agha for breaching the ICC Code of Conduct during a match against the Bangladesh national cricket team.
Agha received one demerit point after being run out and throwing his gloves and helmet on the ground in frustration. The ICC confirmed that the player accepted the offence, which resulted in the penalty.
The incident highlights the ICC’s strict enforcement of conduct regulations during international matches.
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