Major setback as Fakhar Zaman out of Champions Trophy due to injury

Amid mounting criticism over their lackluster performance, the Pakistan cricket team suffered another major setback as star batter Fakhar Zaman has been ruled out of the Champions Trophy after sustaining an injury while fielding in the tournament’s opening match.

The national squad departed from Karachi for Dubai today (Thursday) ahead of their highly anticipated clash against India on February 23, but Fakhar Zaman did not travel with the team.

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has reached out to the ICC Technical Committee to request a replacement and is considering various options for a new opener.

Read: New Zealand thrash Pakistan in Champions Trophy 2025 opener

According to sources, Imam-ul-Haq is the frontrunner to replace Fakhar Zaman, especially after his impressive 98-run performance in the warm-up match against South Africa.

PCB insiders revealed that Fakhar sustained the injury while fielding against New Zealand. At the time, he informed the team staff that he was unable to stand. 

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Despite the injury, the management decided to let him bat, though he struggled during his innings.

Due to Fakhar’s injury, Saud Shakeel opened alongside Babar Azam in Pakistan’s most recent match, while Fakhar batted in the middle order. However, Pakistan faced a disastrous 60-run defeat to New Zealand in that game.

Earlier, PCB stated that Fakhar was being assessed for a muscular sprain, and further updates regarding his fitness will be provided in due course.