Pakistan opener Fakhar Zaman has been ruled out of the 2025 Champions Trophy.
Fakhar suffered an injury very early into the first game of the 2025 Champions Trophy against New Zealand on Wednesday (February 19) in Karachi. While chasing a ball to the boundary in the first over of the match, he pulled up and was out of the field for majority of the innings.
It meant that Fakhar wasn't able to open the batting in the second innings, forcing Saud Shakeel to act as stop-gap opener. Fakhar batted at No.4 and scored 24 off 41, but was visibly struggling and in pain during his knock.
Pakistan eventually lost the game by 60 runs, making it incredibly tough for them to qualify for the semi-finals. To add to their woes, multiple reports today (February 20) suggest that Fakhar is set to be ruled out of CT 2025 altogether.
Also read: 'Poor decision' - Batting injured Fakhar Zaman at No.4 hampered Babar, says Doull
Fakhar ruled out of Champions Trophy; Imam-ul-Haq named as replacement
RevSportz reported that Fakhar is all set to be out of the Champions Trophy due to "chest muscular pain", and Pakistan are looking at Imam-ul-Haq as his replacement.
Danyal Rasool from ESPNCricinfo also reports that an official announcement of Fakhar being ruled out is to be made shortly: "Fakhar Zaman expected to be officially confirmed ruled out for the Champions Trophy."
The ICC confirmed later on Thursday that Fakhar has indeed been ruled out of the tournament, with an oblique tear cited as the specific injury. Imam-ul-Haq has been called up as his replacement.
Pakistan's next match is against India following a three-day gap on Sunday (February 23).
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