Champions Trophy: PCB Evaluates Fakhar Zaman for Muscle Injury

Synopsis

The Pakistan Cricket Board has confirmed that Fakhar Zaman is under assessment for a muscular sprain sustained during the Champions Trophy opener against New Zealand. His early exit raises concerns, especially after Saim Ayub's injury. Despite this, Haris Rauf returned fit, marking a significant ICC tournament's return to Pakistan since 1996.

Key Takeaways

Fakhar Zaman is being evaluated for a muscular sprain.
His injury comes after Saim Ayub was ruled out of the tournament.
Haris Rauf has been declared fit to play.
This marks ICC tournament cricket's return to Pakistan since 1996.
New Zealand started strong but faced a quick collapse.

Karachi, Feb 19 (NationPress) The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has announced that opener Fakhar Zaman is currently being evaluated for a muscular sprain after he exited the field just two deliveries into Pakistan’s Champions Trophy match against New Zealand at the National Stadium.

“Fakhar Zaman is being assessed and examined for a muscular sprain, and further updates will be provided in due course,” stated the PCB.

Pakistan’s title defense began on a sour note as Zaman appeared to have sustained a lower-back injury while sprinting to prevent a boundary in the opening over. Will Young from New Zealand had hit a ball from Shaheen Afridi through the covers, prompting Zaman to chase at full speed. Although he successfully intercepted the ball and passed it to Babar Azam, he immediately indicated his discomfort and left with the team physiotherapist.

This injury adds to Pakistan’s recent woes, as Saim Ayub had already been sidelined from the tournament due to an ankle fracture he incurred while fielding in a Test match against South Africa. His absence had necessitated Zaman's recall to the ODI squad, making this early exit even more troubling.

Despite this setback, Pakistan received some good news pre-match as fast bowler Haris Rauf was cleared to play following recovery from a side strain. This match also held historical importance, marking the return of ICC tournament cricket to Pakistan for the first time since 1996. Pakistan won the toss and chose to field first against New Zealand.

New Zealand commenced their Champions Trophy 2025 opener against Pakistan with purpose, as openers Will Young and Devon Conway formed a solid 39-run partnership in the initial 7.3 overs.

However, Pakistan quickly retaliated, with Abrar Ahmed dismissing Conway using a fantastic carrom ball that pitched on middle and leg before crashing into the off-stump. The situation intensified as Naseem Shah followed up with a stunning delivery that sent Kane Williamson back for just 1 run, angling the ball in before it straightened to catch the outside edge. New Zealand, which had been in a strong position, found themselves at 48/2 by the end of the powerplay, as Pakistan made a robust comeback despite their early injury troubles.