 "Fakhar Zaman's injury has left Pakistan without a regular opener. Image: Reuters")
In a massive blow to the Pakistan cricket team, Fakhar Zaman on Thursday was reportedly ruled out of the ongoing Champions Trophy 2025 due to an injury. Fakhar Zaman had sustained the injury on Wednesday while fielding in the Group A match against New Zealand in Karachi .
Fakhar Zaman sustained the injury after falling awkwardly in the first over of the match against New Zealand. He was forced to leave the field immediately. Fakhar Zaman later tried to return to the field but went off again.
Fakhar Zaman to miss IND vs PAK match
In a statement over the injury, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) during the match said: “Fakhar Zaman is being assessed and examined for a muscular sprain, and further updates will be provided in due course.”
The 34-year-old eventually came out to bat at No.4 but struggled with rhythm and scored just 24 off 41 balls.
Pakistan’s A Sports has now reported that Fakhar Zaman has been ruled out of the tournament. He will not be travelling with the Pakistan cricket team to Dubai for the match against India on 23 February.
The report added that ICC will soon make an official announcement about Fakhar Zaman’s injury and his replacement.
Fakhar Zaman has come as a big blow to the Pakistan team, who lost to New Zealand by 60 runs in their opener, as they do not have any opener in the squad now.
Pakistan’s Champions Trophy 2025 squad:
Mohammad Rizwan (c), Babar Azam, Fakhar Zaman, Kamran Ghulam, Saud Shakeel, Tayyab Tahir, Faheem Ashraf, Khushdil Shah, Salman Ali Agha (vc), Usman Khan, Abrar Ahmed, Haris Rauf, Mohammad Hasnain, Naseem Shah and Shaheen Shah Afridi.