Key points
- Fakhar Zaman a pivotal role in Pakistan’s previous Champions Trophy success
- The PCB has yet to announce a replacement
- Potential candidates include Imamul Haq
ISLAMABAD: In a significant setback for Pakistan’s Champions Trophy campaign, opening batsman Fakhar Zaman has been ruled out of the tournament due to an injury sustained during the opening match against New Zealand in Karachi.
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) confirmed that Zaman suffered a muscular sprain while fielding in the first over of the match on February 19, 2025, according to the Firstpost
Zaman’s injury not only disrupted Pakistan’s batting lineup but also contributed to their defeat against New Zealand.
Captain Mohammad Rizwan highlighted the impact of Zaman’s absence, stating that it affected the team’s performance, particularly in the death overs and batting powerplay.
Pakistan’s memorable victory
Zaman’s exclusion is a considerable blow, given his pivotal role in Pakistan’s previous Champions Trophy success. Notably, he scored a century in the 2017 final against India, leading Pakistan to a memorable victory.
The PCB has yet to announce a replacement for Zaman. Potential candidates include Imamul Haq, who has amassed over 3,000 ODI runs at an average of 48.
Pakistan’s next match is a high-stakes encounter against arch-rivals India on February 23 in Dubai. With Zaman’s absence, the team faces the challenge of restructuring their batting order to maintain competitiveness in the tournament.
As the tournament progresses, Pakistan’s adaptability and strategic decisions will be Important in overcoming the setback of losing a key player like Fakhar Zaman.
