Throwback to when NZ’s McCullum saw greatness in Fakhar Zaman

Revealing the story behind Fakhar Zaman’s selection in Pakistan Super League (PSL), Pakistan legend Aqib Javed said New Zealand great Brandon McCullum picked him for the side.

Talking about Fakhar in an interview, he said, “We had heard about Fakhar but never saw him play. When Fakhar arrived at the camp where Lahore Qalanders had organized practice matches, McCullum had no idea how he plays. McCullum was having a treatment with a physio. When he saw Fakhar batting, he [McCullum] slowly sat down and started watching him bat.”

“McCullum asked me 'who is he? He got talent and guts. He is going to play every single game no matter what happened',” the legendary pacer said. The head coach of Qalanders further said, “Fakhar was lucky as he got a good captain in shape of McCullum.”

Commenting on Fakhar’s batting style, he said, “Fakhar plays fearlessly. He doesn’t allow bowler to settle down, unlike other players who are waiting for the bad balls.”

“He was not the one who came through a typical system. He played less but he got a different mindset,” said former Pakistan head coach. “This would be because he was trained by Pakistan Navy. His level of confidence is amazing.”

Fakhar was retained by Lahore Qalandars for PSL's upcoming season starting from February 22.