Pakistan’s opener Fakhar Zaman ruled out the Champions Trophy 2025; replacement announced

Pakistan‘s Champions Trophy 2025 campaign has suffered a massive setback ahead of their high-stakes clash against India in Dubai. The team will be without their explosive left-handed opener, Fakhar Zaman, who has been officially ruled out of the tournament due to a knee injury sustained during their opening match against New Zealand. His absence leaves a significant void in Pakistan’s top order, adding further pressure on an already struggling batting lineup.

Fakhar Zaman’s injury – A critical blow to Pakistan

Fakhar picked up the knee injury while fielding against New Zealand in the first match of the tournament on February 19 in Karachi. Although he attempted to continue playing, his discomfort became increasingly evident when he came out to bat during Pakistan’s chase of 320 runs. The usually aggressive opener struggled to find any fluency, scoring a painstaking 24 off 41 balls, frequently grimacing in pain.

During his stay at the crease, Fakhar even required medical attention, which further raised concerns about his fitness. Eventually, he was dismissed by New Zealand’s off-spinner Michael Bracewell, failing to make an impact in a match that saw Pakistan fall to a 60-run defeat. Following scans and medical evaluations, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) confirmed that Fakhar would not be able to continue in the tournament, dealing a significant blow to Pakistan’s chances of progressing beyond the group stage.

Fakhar’s emotional statement after being ruled out

Reacting to the unfortunate news, Fakhar Zaman took to social media to express his disappointment while also extending his support to the team. His message reflects both his heartbreak at missing out on the marquee event and his determination to return stronger in the future.

“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. This is only just the beginning; the comeback will be stronger than the setback. Pakistan Zindabad!,” Fakhar wrote.

Representing Pakistan on the biggest stage is an honour and 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 ICC Champions Trophy 2025 but surely Allah is the best planner.… pic.twitter.com/MQKmOI4rQU

— Fakhar Zaman (@FakharZamanLive) February 20, 2025

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Replacement announced for the Champions Trophy 2025

With Fakhar Zaman ruled out, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) swiftly moved to bring in a replacement. The ICC Event Technical Committee approved Imam-ul-Haq as Fakhar’s replacement in Pakistan’s squad. Imam, a 29-year-old left-handed opener, last played an ODI for Pakistan in the 2023 ICC Cricket World Cup against South Africa.

Following an underwhelming World Cup campaign, Imam was dropped from the national setup and remained out of favor for nearly two years. However, his consistent performances in domestic cricket forced selectors to reconsider him for an international comeback. His inclusion in the Champions Trophy squad marks a significant opportunity for him to re-establish himself in the Pakistan lineup.

The ICC released an official statement confirming Imam-ul-Haq’s inclusion in Pakistan’s squad

“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. Twenty-nine-year-old Imam, who has played 72 ODIs, was named as a replacement after Fakhar was ruled out due to an oblique injury,”

What Fakhar’s absence means for Pakistan’s batting lineup

Fakhar Zaman’s injury could not have come at a worse time for Pakistan, given their poor start to the Champions Trophy. Having already suffered a heavy defeat against New Zealand, Pakistan now faces a must-win match against India on February 23 in Dubai.

Fakhar’s role at the top of the order was crucial for Pakistan, as he has been one of their most dynamic ODI batters in recent years. His ability to score quick runs in the powerplay often gave Pakistan a strong start, and his record against India has been particularly impressive. Notably, he was the Player of the Match in the 2017 Champions Trophy final against India, where he scored a brilliant 114 off 106 balls.

Without Fakhar, Pakistan will now have to restructure their batting order, possibly pairing Imam with Mohammad Rizwan or opting for a different combination altogether. Imam brings stability and technique to the batting lineup, but he does not possess the same attacking intent as Fakhar, which could put additional pressure on Babar Azam and the middle order to accelerate the scoring rate.

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