Fakhar Zaman expresses support for Pakistan from home after injury sidelines him from ICC Champions Trophy 2025
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Synopsis
Fakhar Zaman has been ruled out of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 due to an oblique injury sustained during the match against New Zealand. He expressed his disappointment on social media but vowed to support the team from home.
Key Takeaways
- Fakhar Zaman ruled out of ICC Champions Trophy 2025.
- Injury sustained while fielding against New Zealand.
- Imam-ul-Haq replaces him in the squad.
- Pakistan faces India on February 23.
- PCB confirmed injury severity after initial observations.
Karachi, Feb 20 (NationPress) Pakistan opener Fakhar Zaman expressed his disappointment after being ruled out of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 due to an oblique injury.
Fakhar sustained the injury while fielding during Pakistan’s tournament opener against New Zealand in Karachi. Although he managed to return to bat, it was clear that he was in discomfort, struggling through his 24 runs off 41 balls. Initially, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) indicated that Fakhar was being observed for a muscular sprain, but subsequent evaluations revealed the injury's seriousness.
Taking to the social media platform X, Fakhar shared an emotional message, stating, "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."
He added, "Unfortunately, I’m now out of the 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!"
The International Cricket Council (ICC) has approved Imam-ul-Haq as Fakhar’s replacement in Pakistan’s squad for the ongoing tournament. The ICC’s Event Technical Committee officially ruled him out on Thursday, paving the way for Imam-ul-Haq’s inclusion. Imam, 29, has played 72 ODIs and will now have the opportunity to make his first international appearance since 2023.
Pakistan will now have to create a new opening combination as they prepare for their critical clash against India in Dubai on February 23. Following a 60-run defeat to New Zealand, the defending champions will face immense pressure to recover, making Imam’s return all the more vital.
Pakistan squad: 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, and Shaheen Shah Afridi.
