Pakistani opener Fakhar Zaman will not be traveling with the team to Dubai for a crucial Champions Trophy match against India on 23rd February, Sunday.
Zaman has been ruled out of the Champions Trophy 2025 after he suffered an injury during the opening match against New Zealand on Wednesday, 19th February 2025.
“Fakhar Zaman is not travelling with the side to Dubai. The ICC will make further announcements in due course,” the board said.
Unfortunate events seem to be following Pakistan, as after the injury of Saim Ayub, Pakistan has also lost fiery opener Fakhar Zaman to injury.
Fans who were already dejected by the abysmal defeat against New Zealand in the opener are now anticipating the replacement of Fakhar Zaman. Left-handed batter sustained a muscular sprain during the opening over against New Zealand at Karachi’s National Stadium. Zaman awkwardly fell while fielding, leading to his immediate withdrawal from the match.
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Later, Fakhar Zaman did not open the second innings for Pakistan. Instead, Saud Shakil and Babar Azam opened for Pakistan. He later came to bat but struggled due to his injury and could only score 24 runs.
Pakistan lost to New Zealand with 60 runs despite half-centuries by Babar Azam and Khushdil Shah.
The absence of Fakhar Zaman has disrupted the top-order strategy of Pakistan. Sources claim, Imam-ul-Haq is emerging as the leading candidate to fill the opening slot.
Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) states the injury of Fakhar Zaman is of serious concern. He will not be playing Champions Trophy and has been asked to report the High Performance Centre in Lahore.
Salman Ali Agha, Babar Azam, and Khushdil Shah remained the top performers for Pakistan.
Pakistan is now faced with a daunting challenge, a must-win match against India, to keep their hopes alive for qualifying for the semi-final of the Champions Trophy.
After India, Pakistan will play against Bangladesh in its group match.