Pakistan opener Fakhar Zaman was annoyed at a local journalist, after a video clip criticising the former’s performance and attitude, in the recent past, went viral on social media website Twitter.
According to details, Zaman shared his disappointment by quoting the Tweet, including that specific video, on his official account. The 29-year-old, later, deleted that tweet.
“Somebody tell him that ups and downs are part of a player’s career. I’m fine if somebody thinks that Fakhar Zaman is not a good cricketer,” said Zaman.
The journalist had also criticised the change in the opener’s attitude, after he shot to fame with the memorable century in the final of 2017 International Cricket Council (ICC) Champions Trophy against India. He added that Zaman deliberately failed to recognise him, at the Dubai Airport, while returning home after conclusion of Pakistan’s triumphant campaign in the event.
“The curse of Almighty Allah be on him if he is one of the liars. This journalist will only get respect if he gives respect. See Shadab Khan you were also there,” the left-hander said.
Zaman was still establishing himself in the Pakistan team when Jasprit Bumrah's no-ball in the Champions Trophy final triggered his unlikely rise from navy sailor to World Cup talisman.
India appeared to have made the perfect start in the 2017 Champions Trophy showpiece when Zaman edged to wicketkeeper MS Dhoni off Bumrah.
However, the Indian fast bowler had overstepped the crease and Zaman, who had scored just three at the time, was given a reprieve that he made the most of, reaching his first one-day international century.
Fakhar changed the game with a crisp 114 to help Pakistan beat their bitter rivals by a 180-run margin at the Oval to lift the trophy.
Since then Fakhar has been the lynchpin of Pakistan's batting and was expected to anchor the line-up in the 2019 World Cup in England but that was not the case as he failed to live up to expectations at the top of the order. Although he has regained some sort of form as he notched up two half-centuries, in the recently concluded ODI series, at home, against Sri Lanka.