PCB Names Fakhar Zaman’s Replacement After Injured Opener Ruled Out of Champions Trophy

PCB Names Fakhar Zaman’s Replacement: Instead, we bring you the Champions Trophy merciless blow to Pakistan after surgeon Mohammad Rizwan's talisman batter, Fakhar Zaman, was put off the tour for the remainder of the tournament. Fakhar Zaman injured one of his knees while fielding during the tournament opener against New Zealand on Thursday, and though he returned to the field, he seemed to be in a lot of discomfort in the second half during his batting phase. Fakhar's inning was in all aspects slow; he scored only 24 runs off 41 balls and grimaced during his time in the middle. He had gotten treatment for the injury before he was dismissed off Michael Bracewell.

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Rizwan, in the post-match presentation, could not ascertain the extent of the damage and simply mentioned that Fakhar was in pain. Earlier in the day, the PCB statement shared that the player was under observation for a muscle sprain. But now, it seems, the injury is serious enough to leave doubts not only over Fakhar's participation in the match against Bangladesh next week but very scant chances of him being available for the rest of the tournament.

"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," Fakhar tweeted.

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

Before this unlucky game, there was concern that Fakhar might end up missing the entire tournament. "Fakhar won't play the match against India, and hence, he would not be travelling to Dubai. As of now, it looks difficult that he would get fit for the last group stage match against Bangladesh as well. He is all but out of the tournament," a source in the know of things confirmed to Hindustan Times.

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PCB announces replacement

Injured Fakhar was replaced in the team by the Pakistan Cricket Board, who named Imam-ul-Haq as his replacement. "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," a release by the ICC stated.

Fakhar's injury music to India's ears

Bad news for India; it must be music to the ears of Prez Hayden. That was Fakhar, whose hundred in the 2017 final of the Champions Trophy denied Virat Kohli and Co. the title: Fakhar clattered 114 off 106 with 12 fours and 3 sixes as Pakistan posted a massive 338/4, which India failed short of by 180 runs.

It's a double whammy for Pakistan, as they are already without Saim Ayub for the tournament. Haris Rauf's fitness was also under scrutiny, but he proved his fitness in the match against New Zealand.

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