Pakistani opener Fakhar Zaman was seen emotional and in tears after being ruled out of the ongoing ICC Champions Trophy 2025 due to an injury.
Zaman suffered an oblique injury while fielding in the first over of Pakistan’s opening match against New Zealand. Despite the setback, he batted at number four and managed 24 runs off 41 balls before being dismissed by Michael Bracewell.
A video shared by the PCB on social media showed Fakhar limping to the dressing room, visibly emotional, while teammate Shaheen Shah Afridi offered support.
Imam-ul-Haq Replaces Fakhar Zaman
The ICC Event Technical Committee approved Imam-ul-Haq as Fakhar’s replacement in Pakistan’s squad. Imam, 29, has played 72 ODIs, amassing 3,138 runs at an impressive average of 48.27.
Fakhar Zaman took to social media to express his disappointment, stating:
“Representing Pakistan on the biggest stage is an honour and a dream for every cricketer. Unfortunately, I’m now out of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, but surely Allah is the best planner. The comeback will be stronger than the setback. Pakistan Zindabad!”
Pakistan’s Next Challenge
Pakistan, the defending champions, suffered a 60-run defeat against New Zealand in the tournament opener. They now face arch-rivals India in a must-win encounter to keep their title hopes alive.
Pakistan’s Updated Squad:
Mohammad Rizwan (c), Babar Azam, Imam-ul-Haq, Kamran Ghulam, Saud Shakeel, Tayyab Tahir, Faheem Ashraf, Khushdil Shah, Salman Ali Agha, Usman Khan, Abrar Ahmed, Haris Rauf, Mohammad Hasnain, Naseem Shah, Shaheen Shah Afridi.
