Atiq-uz-Zaman: “I’m not sure he’s going to agree to bat [at] number six as well in [the] future. If I was him, I would never agree to that”
Image taken by: Bimal Mirwani
Former Pakistan cricketer Atiq-uz-Zaman cannot understand Fakhar Zaman’s demotion down the batting order, insisting the experienced top order batsman should not accept a role at number six.
Traditionally known for opening the innings or batting at number three, Zaman has recently found himself sliding lower down the batting order, a move designed to accommodate emerging players in Pakistan’s evolving national setup.
However, Atiq believes the 35-year-old from Mardan should resist such changes, arguing that he is most effective at the top of the order where he can fully utilise his attacking game.
“Fakhar Zaman should never bat on this number, he’s batting more late. I’m not sure he’s going to agree to bat [at] number six as well in [the] future. If I was him, I would never agree to that, I will never sacrifice my number because I’m good enough to be an opener or at least [a] number three batsman,” he told PakPassion.
Zaman is currently part of Pakistan’s squad for the ongoing 2026 T20 World Cup, but he has yet to play a single game.
The men in green have made it through to the Super Eights after beating the Netherlands, United States of America and Namibia in the group stage. Their only loss came against India.
Pakistan’s next match will be against New Zealand on February 21 in Colombo.
Pakistan Squad for 2026 T20 World Cup: Salman Ali Agha (captain), Abrar Ahmed, Babar Azam, Faheem Ashraf, Fakhar Zaman, Khawaja Nafay (wicketkeeper), Mohammad Nawaz, Salman Mirza, Naseem Shah, Sahibzada Farhan (wicketkeeper), Saim Ayub, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Shadab Khan, Usman Khan (wicketkeeper), Usman Tariq
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