PCB provides update on Fakhar Zaman's injury

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has provided an update on Fakhar Zaman, who was forced to leave the field during the ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025 opener at the National Bank Stadium on Wednesday.

Fakhar injured himself while fielding in the first over of the match and was unable to continue, limping off the field. Kamran Ghulam replaced him in the playing XI.

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According to the PCB, Fakhar Zaman is being assessed for a muscular sprain, and further updates regarding his fitness will be provided in due course.

Fakhar's injury comes after Pakistan had already lost rising opener Saim Ayub to an ankle injury, further adding to the team's concerns.

Fakhar is the only specialist opener in Pakistan’s squad for the Champions Trophy, and his absence could create a significant gap in the defending champions’ lineup.

At the time of writing, New Zealand were 86/3 in 19 overs, with Will Young and Tom Latham unbeaten on 58 and four, respectively.

Playing XIs:

Pakistan: Fakhar Zaman, Babar Azam, Saud Shakeel, Mohammad Rizwan (w/c), Salman Agha, Tayyab Tahir, Khushdil Shah, Shaheen Afridi, Naseem Shah, Haris Rauf, Abrar Ahmed.

New Zealand: Devon Conway, Will Young, Kane Williamson, Daryl Mitchell, Tom Latham (w), Glenn Phillips, Michael Bracewell, Mitchell Santner (c), Nathan Smith, Matt Henry, William Orourke.