WEBDESK (Azaad English): Fakhar Zaman’s injury in the opening match of the tournament against New Zealand at the National Stadium on Wednesday is rumoured to keep him out for the remainder of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025.
The injury occurred while Fakhar Zaman landed awkwardly while fielding in the first over of New Zealand’s innings. He was taken off the field immediately for a medical assessment. Although he did return to the field, he was forced off again, raising concerns over his condition.
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has confirmed that Fakhar will not travel to Dubai for their match against India.
“Fakhar Zaman is not travelling with the side to Dubai. The International Cricket Council (ICC) will make further announcements in due course,” PCB said in a statement.
Pakistan’s next match will be a high-stakes match against India on Sunday after India refused to travel to Pakistan for their matches.
PCB has approached the ICC technical committee for a replacement, with Imam-Ul-Haq emerging as the front-runner for the vacant spot.
Pakistan failed to chase the target of 321 set by New Zealand in Wednesday’s opener, with the Pakistani team ending their innings all out at 260.
Zaman, the only genuine opener in the side, did not get the chance to open the innings and was delayed by 20 minutes due to his absence off the field due to a spasm while fielding.
Black Caps fast bowler O’Rourke provided an early breakthrough by taking the wicket of Saud Shakeel (6). Captain Mohammad Rizwan tried to stabilise the innings but he could not last long and fell after scoring just three, courtesy of an acrobatic fielding effort from Glenn Phillips. Pakistan was reduced to 22-2 in 10 overs.
Babar and Fakhar Zaman then made a partial recovery, though at a very slow pace, by adding 47 runs for the fourth wicket. Fakhar Zaman injury, prevented him from scoring big as he was bowled out by Michael Bracewell after scoring 24 off 41 deliveries.
The Fakhar Zaman injury could prove to be a big blow in the upcoming matches as he was the only genuine opener in the Pakistani team.
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