Fakhar Zaman (Pashto: فخر زمان; born 10 April 1990) is a Pakistani cricketer and former Pakistan Navy sailor who plays for the Pakistan national cricket team[1] and for Lahore Qalandars in the Pakistan Super League (PSL).[2]
On 20 July 2018, he became the first batsman for Pakistan to score a double century in a One Day International (ODI) match.[3] Two days later, he became the fastest batsman to score 1,000 runs in ODIs.[4] In August 2018, he was one of thirty-three players to be awarded a central contract for the 2018–19 season by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB).[5][6]
Early life
Zaman was born on 10 April 1990 in Katlang in the Mardan District of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. He moved to Karachi at the age of 16 following matriculation. In 2007, Zaman joined the Pakistan Navy as a sailor after receiving his schooling and training at sea from the Pakistan Navy School, Bahadur.[7][8][9] His choice of career was persuaded by his father, who was dissuaded by Fakhar's childhood addiction to cricket and wanted his son to focus on his academics.[10] The name Fakhar literally translates to "pride".[10] Amongst his teammates, he is known by the nickname fauji (soldier).[9][11][12]
Domestic and T20 career
In Karachi, Zaman continued playing cricket occasionally in inter-departmental matches, including representations for the Pakistan Navy cricket team. He was first identified by his navy coach, Azam Khan, who encouraged him to pursue professional cricket. In 2013, he left his naval career after a "tough decision" in pursuit of this dream and began appearing for regional outfits like Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Abbottabad Falcons, Balochistan and several Karachi teams. He became the second-highest run scorer in the 2016 Pakistan Cup and also impressed selectors in the 2016–17 Quaid-e-Azam Trophy. He was also picked by the Lahore Qalandars side for the 2017 Pakistan Super League, where he was closely mentored by New Zealand player Brendon McCullum.[13] He was soon noticed by Pakistan coach Mickey Arthur during a training camp in Lahore, following which he earned a call-up for the national side.[11]
In August 2017, he was named in Durban Qalandars' squad for the first season of the T20 Global League.[14] However, in October 2017, Cricket South Africa initially postponed the tournament until November 2018, with it being cancelled soon after.[15]
In July 2019, he was selected to play for the Rotterdam Rhinos in the inaugural edition of the Euro T20 Slam cricket tournament.[16][17] However, the following month the tournament was cancelled.[18]
Fakhar zaman is a best player of Pakistan cricket