LAHORE: Left-handed batter Imam-ul-Haq has replaced Fakhar Zaman in Pakistan’s squad for the International Cricket Council (ICC) Champions Trophy 2025, ICC has confirmed.
“The Event Technical Committee of the ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025 has approved Imam-ul-Haq as a replacement for Fakhar Zaman in the Pakistan squad,” read the press release issued by ICC on Thursday.
The development comes after Fakhar Zaman was injured during the tournament’s opening match between Pakistan and New Zealand at the National Stadium, Karachi.
The Event Technical Committee of the ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025, consisting of five members, has decided to include Imam in Pakistan’s squad.
No team from the eight teams playing in the tournament can replace any squad member without the Technical Committee’s approval.
Fakhar sustained a muscle injury while throwing the ball towards Babar Azam after stopping it on the boundary.
Fakhar Zaman’s post on ‘X’
Following the injury, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) confirmed his injury and his official departure from the tournament.
The left-handed batter took to the social media platform ‘X’ to express his sorrow over his injury and said that he would be backing the team from home.
“Representing Pakistan on the biggest stage is an honour and a 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 the 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,” he wrote.
“This is only just the beginning; the comeback will be stronger than the setback,” he added.
Zaman concluded his post by writing, “Pakistan Zindabad.”
Pakistan will play the second match of the tournament against India on Sunday, February 23, at Dubai International Stadium.
The high-voltage clash is eagerly awaited not only by Pakistan and Indian fans but also by cricket fans around the globe.
