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Pakistan opener Fakhar Zaman has been ruled of the Champions Trophy 2025 ahead of the side’s clash against India. Zaman was injured while fielding during the first innings of the clash between Pakistan and New Zealand on Wednesday (February 19) in Karachi.
It all happened in only the first over of the game when the Kiwi opener Will Young guided Shaheen Afridi’s ball towards the covers. Zaman ran towards the ball and managed to save the boundary, however, he injured himself in process. He immediately looked in discomfort in his lower back or side, and was taken off the field after receiving treatment.
As a result, Zaman didn’t open and Saud Shakeel opened with Babar Azam for the Men in Green. The southpaw arrived at the crease after the fall of second wicket in the 10th over.
Known for his ability to make use of fielding restrictions, Fakhar Zaman didn’t look his original self and was struggling with running between the wickets, The team doctor and physio came in with the painkillers during his struggling innings, which saw him score 24 off 41 balls, with four fours.
Notably, Zaman slammed 114 off 106 in the Champions Trophy 2017 final to help Pakistan win by 180 runs against India. He was expected to be among the key contributors for the hosts in order to defend their title.
Imam-ul-Haq has replaced Fakhar Zaman in the squad, who are set to face India on February 23 in Dubai. In 72 ODIs, Imam has garnered 3,138 runs at an average of 48.27 with nine centuries and 20 fifties.
Pakistan’s updated squad: Mohammad Rizwan (c), Babar Azam, Imam-ul-Haq, Kamran Ghulam, Saud Shakeel, Tayyab Tahir, Faheem Ashraf, Khushdil Shah, Salman Ali Agha, Usman Khan, Abrar Ahmed, Haris Rauf, Mohammad Hasnain, Naseem Shah, Shaheen Shah Afridi.
Pakistan’s Fakhar Zaman posts a motivational message after being ruled out of Champions Trophy
On Thursday afternoon, Fakhar Zaman took to Instagram to share a motivational message after his Champions Trophy campaign ended after just a solitary game. He wished to make a terrific comeback after sustaining this setback for Pakistan in the near future.
“Representing Pakistan on the biggest stage is an honour and dream of every cricketer in this country. I have been privileged enough to represent Pakistan multiple times with pride. Unfortunately I’m now out of ICC Champions Trophy 2025 but surely Allah is the best planner. Grateful for the opportunity. I will be backing our boys in green from home. This is only just the beginning, the comeback will be stronger than the setback,” Fakhar Zaman posted on social media platform Instagram.
In 86 ODIs, Fakhar Zaman has scored 3,651 runs at an average of 46.21, with 11 centuries and 17 fifties. His highest knock of 210* came against Zimbabwe in 2018.
