Pakistan’s cricket team has suffered a major blow as opener Fakhar Zaman has been ruled out of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 following a serious injury, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) confirmed on Thursday.
Zaman sustained a muscular sprain while fielding during Pakistan’s opening match against New Zealand at Karachi’s National Bank Stadium on February 19. He fell awkwardly in the first over, forcing him to leave the field immediately.
Following medical assessment, the PCB confirmed that Zaman’s injury was severe enough to sideline him for the rest of the tournament. He was not included in the squad departing for Dubai for the next fixture.
In response, the PCB has requested the ICC Technical Committee to approve a replacement. Sources indicate that Imam-ul-Haq is the frontrunner to take his place at the top of the order.
Meanwhile, Zaman has been instructed to report to the High Performance Centre in Lahore for further rehabilitation.
Pakistan, already under pressure after a 60-run loss to New Zealand, now faces a crucial showdown against India on February 23. With their tournament hopes hanging in the balance, the absence of Zaman’s attacking presence adds another challenge for the team.