Pakistan opener Fakhar Zaman has been ruled out of the remainder of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 due to a muscular strain, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) confirmed on Thursday. The injury occurred during Pakistan’s group stage match against New Zealand at Karachi’s National Bank Stadium on February 19.
Injury Details:
Zaman sustained the injury in the opening over while fielding. As New Zealand opener Will Young drove a delivery from Shaheen Afridi through the covers, Fakhar sprinted to stop the boundary and managed to palm the ball back to Babar Azam. However, he immediately clutched his lower back and signaled for a substitution.
Though he walked off the field with the team physio, Zaman later returned to the field after New Zealand’s second wicket fell in the ninth over. He also batted, scoring 24 runs off 41 balls, including four boundaries.
PCB’s Statement:
The PCB initially stated that further medical assessments were underway. In its latest update, the board confirmed the serious nature of the injury, ruling Zaman out of the tournament.
“Fakhar Zaman’s injury is of a serious nature. He will not be able to play the remainder of the tournament,” the PCB announced, as quoted by Geo News.
He will not travel with the squad to Dubai for Pakistan’s next match in the Champions Trophy.
Fakhar Zaman’s Emotional Message:
Taking to X (formerly Twitter), Zaman expressed his disappointment but remained optimistic about returning stronger:
“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!“
What This Means for Pakistan:
Zaman’s absence is a significant blow to Pakistan’s batting lineup, especially with their next high-stakes match against India in Dubai. Known for his aggressive starts, Fakhar has often been a key figure in high-pressure encounters, including his famous century against India in the 2017 Champions Trophy final.
The PCB is expected to name a replacement player soon, with speculation around who will fill the crucial opening slot.
Quick Facts:
- Injury: Muscular strain during fielding vs New Zealand
- Runs scored vs NZ: 24 off 41 balls (4 boundaries)
- Tournament status: Ruled out of ICC Champions Trophy 2025
- Next Pakistan match: vs India (Dubai) – Without Fakhar Zaman
Fakhar Zaman’s fighting spirit remains intact as he backs his teammates from home. While Pakistan loses a vital top-order batter, fans will be eager to see who steps up in his absence as the Men in Green face crucial matches ahead.