Did Babar Azam and Fakhar Zaman play T20 World Cup by hiding their injuries? Allegations of 'collusion' with physio shake Pakistan cricket

Karachi. There has been an earthquake once again in Pakistan cricket. The revelation that has now come to light after the team's shameful performance in the T20 World Cup 2026 has created a stir in the corridors of the PCB. The medical panel of the board has deep suspicion that the two most senior players of the team, Babar Azam and Fakhar Zaman were not completely fit at the time of selection in the World Cup team. Now orders have been given for a high level investigation into this matter.

At the root of this entire controversy is a confidential report by Dr. Javed Mughal, consultant of UK-based 'Sports Physiotherapy and Medicine'. Dr. Mughal has recently joined the medical panel of PCB as a director. He closely examined the fitness of Babar and Fakhar after the World Cup.

According to sources, Dr. Mughal has clearly expressed concern in his report that the injuries of these two players were not as initially reported. The matter became more serious when Babar Azam, after returning from the World Cup, refused to play in the National T20 Championship due to a hamstring strain.

Question on 'close relationships' between physio and players
The biggest accused in this controversy is considered to be team physio Cliff Deacon. There are allegations within the PCB that Deacon ignored the players' injuries due to his 'close relationship' with them. It is alleged that Deacon deliberately hid minor injuries and gave a 'clean chit' to the selection committee. Senior selector Aaqib Javed has made it clear that he included Babar and Fakhar in the team only after getting the green signal from Deacon. Now the investigation will be whether the physio had deliberately given a wrong report?

Severity of injury: Fakhar was troubled for months?
It has also been revealed in the report that Fakhar Zaman was suffering from the same physical problem for the last several months, but he was fed continuously. At the same time, Babar Azam's muscle injury is now said to be more serious than before. The question being raised is that if the players were not 100% fit, then why were they sent to a big stage like the World Cup, putting the country's reputation at stake?

Aaqib Javed's warning
During a press conference last week, Aaqib Javed took a strict stance on this matter and said that the board will investigate the entire process. He indicated that if the physio or any official is found to be complicit, strict action will be taken against them.