Champions Trophy: ICC Greenlights Imam-ul-Haq as Fakhar Zaman’s Substitute in Pakistan Team
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Synopsis
The ICC has confirmed Imam-ul-Haq as the replacement for the injured Fakhar Zaman in Pakistan's Champions Trophy squad. Fakhar's injury occurred during the match against New Zealand, and he has been ruled out for the rest of the tournament. Pakistan will face India next, needing a victory after their earlier loss.
Key Takeaways
- Imam-ul-Haq replaces Fakhar Zaman.
- Fakhar Zaman ruled out due to an oblique injury.
- Pakistan needs to win against India after a loss to New Zealand.
- Imam has played 72 ODIs and is a direct replacement.
- The Event Technical Committee approved the substitution.
Dubai, Feb 20 (NationPress) The International Cricket Council (ICC) has officially sanctioned Imam-ul-Haq as a substitute for the injured Fakhar Zaman in Pakistan’s lineup for the ongoing Champions Trophy. Fakhar had to exit the match after sustaining an injury while fielding during the initial stages of the tournament opener against New Zealand in Karachi.
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) indicated at that moment that Fakhar was undergoing evaluation for a muscular strain, with updates to follow shortly. Subsequently, Fakhar was unable to open the batting and came in during the tenth over, struggling to score just 24 runs off 41 balls.
On Thursday, the ICC confirmed via an official statement that Fakhar is now ruled out for the remainder of the tournament due to an oblique injury. Before a player can be officially included in the squad, the Event Technical Committee must approve the substitution.
The Event Technical Committee for the ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025 includes Wasim Khan (ICC General Manager – Cricket), Sarah Edgar (ICC Senior Manager – Events), Usman Wahla (PCB Director – International Cricket Operations), and Shaun Pollock (Independent Representative).
Stepping in for Fakhar is Imam, a 29-year-old opener who has participated in 72 ODIs and serves as a direct replacement for Fakhar. Interestingly, Fakhar joined the team after Saim Ayub was sidelined due to an ankle fracture.
Imam is on the cusp of returning to international cricket for the first time since 2023, as Pakistan prepares for a new opening partnership in their crucial match against India in Dubai on February 23, a game the defending champions must win after their defeat to New Zealand by 60 runs.
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.
