Pakistan Faces a Major Setback as Fakhar Zaman is Ruled Out
Pakistan’s hopes of defending their ICC Champions Trophy title in 2025 have taken a major hit as star opener Fakhar Zaman has been ruled out for the rest of the tournament due to an oblique injury. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) confirmed that the left-handed batsman will not be traveling with the squad to Dubai for their crucial upcoming match against India on February 23.
Fakhar Zaman’s Injury: What Happened?
Injury During the Match Against New Zealand
Fakhar Zaman sustained the injury while fielding during New Zealand’s innings in the opening match of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. The incident occurred in the very first over when he fell awkwardly, immediately requiring medical attention. Though he briefly returned to the field, Zaman had to leave again, indicating that the injury was more serious than initially expected.
Medical Assessment and Decision
Following a medical examination, PCB’s medical team decided that Fakhar Zaman would not be fit to continue playing in the tournament. The team management submitted a request for a replacement, which was approved by the ICC Event Technical Committee.
Imam-ul-Haq Named as Fakhar Zaman’s Replacement
To fill the void left by Fakhar Zaman, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has called up Imam-ul-Haq as his replacement. Imam, who has an impressive track record in One-Day Internationals (ODIs), has played 72 matches for Pakistan.
“The Event Technical Committee of the ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025 has approved Imam-ul-Haq as a replacement for Fakhar Zaman in the Pakistan squad,” the ICC stated in an official release.
As per tournament rules, a replacement player can only be officially added to the squad after receiving approval from the Event Technical Committee.
Fakhar Zaman’s Statement on Being Ruled Out
Fakhar Zaman took to social media to express his disappointment about missing the remainder of the tournament. Posting on X (formerly Twitter), he wrote:
“Representing Pakistan on the biggest stage is an honor and dream of every cricketer in this country. I have been privileged enough to represent Pakistan multiple times with pride. Unfortunately, I am now out of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, but surely Allah is the best planner.”
Pakistan’s Performance in the Opening Match Against New Zealand
Pakistan started their ICC Champions Trophy 2025 campaign with a disappointing 60-run loss to New Zealand at the National Bank Stadium in Karachi.
New Zealand’s Dominant Display with the Bat
New Zealand’s batsmen set a formidable target of 321 runs. The defending champions struggled to contain the opposition, with Pakistan’s bowlers failing to make early breakthroughs.
Pakistan’s Struggles with the Bat
Chasing 321, Pakistan had a disastrous start when they were forced to send Saud Shakeel to open the innings with Babar Azam. This unexpected change occurred because Fakhar Zaman was delayed by 20 minutes due to back spasms he suffered while fielding.
New Zealand’s fast bowler O’Rourke struck early, dismissing Saud Shakeel for 6 runs, while Mohammad Rizwan also fell cheaply, scoring just 3 runs. Pakistan was left struggling at 22-2 in 10 overs.
Babar Azam and Fakhar Zaman’s Brief Resistance
Captain Babar Azam and Fakhar Zaman attempted to stabilize the innings with a cautious 47-run partnership. However, Fakhar, who was visibly struggling due to his injury, was dismissed by Michael Bracewell after scoring 24 runs off 41 balls. Pakistan was eventually bowled out for 260 runs in 47.2 overs.
Upcoming Matches and Pakistan’s Challenges
With Fakhar Zaman ruled out, Pakistan faces a significant challenge in their remaining matches. Their next game against India on February 23 is a must-win encounter to stay in contention for the knockout stages.
The absence of a key opener will put extra pressure on the team’s batting lineup, and Imam-ul-Haq will need to step up and fill the void left by Fakhar.
FAQs
1. Why is Fakhar Zaman ruled out of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025?
Fakhar Zaman sustained an oblique injury while fielding during the opening match against New Zealand. After medical assessment, he was ruled out for the remainder of the tournament.
2. Who is replacing Fakhar Zaman in the Pakistan squad?
Imam-ul-Haq has been named as Fakhar Zaman’s replacement. He has played 72 ODIs for Pakistan and is an experienced top-order batsman.
3. What impact will Fakhar Zaman’s absence have on Pakistan?
His absence is a major setback as he was a key player in the top order. Pakistan will now rely on Imam-ul-Haq and other batsmen to fill the gap in the batting lineup.
4. When is Pakistan’s next match in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025?
Pakistan will face India on February 23 in Dubai, a crucial match for their qualification to the next round.
5. How did Pakistan perform in the opening match against New Zealand?
Pakistan lost to New Zealand by 60 runs. They struggled both in bowling and batting, failing to chase the 321-run target set by the Kiwis.
