Fakhar Zaman Ruled Out Of ICC Champions Trophy 2025; PCB Announce Replacement

Fakhar Zaman, who suffered an injury in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 opener, has been ruled out of the tournament, giving Pakistan a huge blow. Fakhar Zaman suffered the injury on February 19 during Pakistan's tournament debut match against New Zealand at Karachi's National Stadium.

Will Young, the opener for New Zealand, blasted a cover drive two balls into Shaheen Afridi's opening over, sending the ball hurtling toward the boundary. Fielding at mid-off, Fakhar Zaman ran to halt the boundary and attempted a dive.

But the Pakistani opener hurt himself after landing awkwardly. Fakhar remained on the field for a while despite the agony, but he had to quit when he started to experience severe chest and back pain. Later, because of ICC regulations, the 34-year-old player was unable to start the innings.

Fakhar Zaman’s painful and slow knock

The left-handed batsman was having trouble when he came to bat at number four. He appeared to have limited mobility and was unable to play freely. Before the New Zealand bowler Michael Bracewell ended Fakhar's agonizing innings, he struggled through the pain and managed 24 runs off 41 balls.

In the meantime, the PCB announced that the opening batsman had a "muscular sprain" after Kamran Ghulam, a substitute fielder, took Zaman's spot in the field during Pakistan's tournament start.

"Fakhar Zaman is being evaluated and examined for a muscular sprain, and further updates will be provided in due course," the PCB had issued.

Fakhar Zaman ruled out of CT 2025; Imam Ul Haq named replacement

Fakhar Zaman is reportedly not flying to Dubai, where Pakistan will play India in the highly anticipated ICC Champions Trophy 2025 match on Sunday, February 23. The Pakistani opener was disqualified from both the match and the remainder of the competition.

After scans revealed no encouraging results, the Pakistani opener was given a setback and was forced to miss the remainder of the competition.

Fakhar disqualified from playing anymore

Fakhar has reportedly been disqualified from the remainder of the current ICC Champions Trophy 2025. Fakhar played a significant role in Pakistan's Champions Trophy victory in 2017.

The International Cricket Council and the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) are anticipated to make an official statement shortly on Imam-ul-Haq's selection as Fakhar's successor in the Pakistani team for the current ICC Champions Trophy.

Imam-ul-Haq will replace Fakhar in Pakistan’s Champions Trophy squad.#ChampionsTrophy2025 https://t.co/G72u28544A

— RevSportz Global (@RevSportzGlobal) February 20, 2025

The 29-year-old Pakistan opener has 3138 runs in 72 ODIs for Pakistan. He averages 48.27 and has scored 9 centuries and 28 fifties in ODIs, with the best of 151. Imam made his Pakistan debut in ODIs in 2017.

Also read: Pakistan’s Frustrated Captain Shouts At Shaheen Afridi; Pacer Retaliates By Hurling A Mouthful