Fakhar says he was told he would not play first three games

By our correspondent
LAHORE: Pakistan’s seasoned left-handed top order batsman Fakhar Zaman has revealed that the management had told him before the series against New Zealand that he would not play the first three matches.
“World Cup is very important and we are preparing for it but it is also important to win a game. If I talk about myself so before the series the management had told me that I will not play the first three matches and so everyone had been told about the chances they will be given in the series,” Fakhar told a post-match news conference here on Thursday night.
Fakhar’s 61 off 45 went in vain as Pakistan were conquered by New Zealand by four runs in their fourth T20I here at the jam-packed Gaddafi Stadium.
Asked whether it was due to five changes which hurt Pakistan Fakhar said that it makes the difference.
“Yes, it makes the difference as you know our main goal is World Cup and that is why we are making changes in every match. We made changes after winning the first game and in this game too five changes were made. No one wants to lose a game at international level but as we are planning for World Cup and our combination should be better for that and we will try to win the next game,” Fakhar said.
Asked whether matches results are more important or experiments for the World Cup is more necessary Fakhar said both are necessary.
“We made more mistakes tonight. We did not get a good start and then me and Iftikhar had almost made the match and due to dew batting was not difficult but hiccups at that stage damaged our cause,” Fakhar said.
Fakhar said that it’s not issue if a player’s mindset is made and he accepts a different challenge.
“In the past the management had made my mindset and when Misbah was coach he told me that I could play a solid role for the country while playing at No4 and 5 and in opening Babar and Rizwan can do better than me. It creates issues but if you accept it and I had accepted it that I could play at No 5, 6 and even at the seventh positions for the country because I can do that,” Fakhar said.
“In international circuit we have played so much cricket which I think no one should feel and those who feel so I think it’s not right,” he was quick to add.
Asked whether No 4 is his position Fakhar replied in affirmative.
“Yes this is my position in T20 cricket. I had been told that I will not play the first three matches and this is my position but yes according to situation it may change,” he said.
Batting at No4 Fakhar scored a 45-ball 61 with three sixes and four fours but failed to finish the game.