Pakistan after their loss to New Zealand have received a body blow ahead of their match against India. As per reports, Fakhar Zaman is ruled out of the match between India and Pakistan to be played in Dubai on March 23, Sunday.
Fakhar sustained the injury during Pakistan’s tournament opener against New Zealand. The incident occurred early in the match, on the second ball of Shaheen Shah Afridi’s first over. A shot from Kiwi opener Will Young through covers was chased by Fakhar almost close to the boundary line. Trying to field the ball, Fakhar landed awkwardly while diving. He immediately pointed towards the dressing room after he pulled up and looked uncomfortable and in pain. He was seen walking off the field clutching his lower back.
Now ahead of their match against India, it has been confirmed that Fakhar Zaman has been ruled out of the tournament and Imam-ul-Haq has been named as his replacement. Fakhar took to his official Twitter handle and revealed the news of his absence himself on Wednesday afternoon.
"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" he wrote on his official Twitter handle.
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Fakhar Zaman Helped Pakistan Win 2017 Champions Trophy Final
Despite his injury, Fakhar Zaman walked out to bat at number four scoring 24 off 41 balls. He needed medical attention twice during his knock. The southpaw did not play any ODI matches since the ODI World Cup 2023. However, his addition to the squad was a massive bonus to the side who were without a regular opener. Saim Ayub, the other talented young opener is also ruled out of the tournament with an injury.
It was Fakhar Zaman who almost single-handedly defeated India in the Champions Trophy final in 2017. He smashed a match-winning 114 at The Oval in the final of the Champions Trophy 2017 to help Pakistan win their maiden CT title.
His absence would come as a good news for the Indian team and the Indian fans who are yet to get over his superb knock in the final 8 years ago. Meanwhile, Pakistan lost their first game against the Kiwis and a loss against India would bring them to the brink of elimination from the tournament.
Also Read: Pakistan vs New Zealand CT 2025 Match 1: Saud Shakeel opens due to Fakhar Zaman's injury
