Karachi (TDI): Fakhar Zaman, the Pakistan international cricket team’s opener, was injured during the Pakistan vs New Zealand match held in National Bank Stadium Karachi in the Champions Trophy tournament. The International Cricket Council (ICC) on Thursday ruled that the injured Fakhar would miss the ICC Champions Trophy ahead of the India blockbuster; Imam will be a replacement.
A while ago, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) confirmed that Fakhar Zaman would not travel to Dubai with the Pakistani squad.
According to a statement today by the ICC, Fakhar has been ruled out of the tournament altogether ahead of Pakistan’s high-stakes clash against India on Sunday in Dubai after India refused to travel to Pakistan to play their matches.
“PCB confirmed that the seasoned batter will miss the big ticket match owing to an oblique tear while fielding in Wednesday’s match,” ICC said.
The 34-year-old left-handed batsman sprained a chest muscle while fielding at the start of Pakistan’s game against New Zealand, which the hosts lost by 60 runs.
In this regard, Fakhar Zaman is a 34-year-old left-handed batsman who injured his chest muscle while fielding at the start of Pakistan’s game against New Zealand, which the hosts lost by 60 runs.
The opener, Fakhar Zaman, also confirmed this sad incident through a post on Instagram.
He added, “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. 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,”
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In such a scenario, the updated Pakistan squad after Fakhar’s injury is as follows: 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.On the other hand, the ICC adopted a hybrid model through the mutual consensus between the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to hold all the Champions Trophy matches involving India in Dubai.
As the stage was set at National Bank Stadium, Karachi with stunning atmosphere, as it hosted its first ICC tournament since 1996, according to the Dawn.
