Karachi, Feb 20 (NationPress) The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 campaign for Pakistan has taken a significant hit as star opener Fakhar Zaman has been sidelined due to an injury.

The left-handed batsman incurred an injury while fielding early on in Pakistan's match against New Zealand at Karachi's National Stadium on Wednesday.

'Fakhar Zaman has been declared unfit for the remainder of Pakistan's Champions Trophy journey. He suffered a knee injury during last night's match. The results from the scans following his injury are not favorable, leading to his exclusion,' a source close to the PCB revealed to IANS.

Following Fakhar's unfortunate withdrawal, Pakistan is poised to bring in Imam-ul-Haq as his substitute. The left-handed opener, who has been a consistent member of Pakistan’s ODI team in recent years, is anticipated to join the squad shortly, pending official confirmation from the International Cricket Council (ICC) and the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB).

'Imam ul Haq will take the place of Fakhar Zaman in the Pakistan squad,' the source added.

Imam-ul-Haq was part of the Pakistan Shaheen team that participated in two practice matches before the Champions Trophy.

Fakhar gained recognition during the 2017 Champions Trophy, where he scored a match-winning 114 against India in the final held in London. His exit represents a significant setback for Pakistan, which was relying on his experience and aggressive batting style at the top of the order, especially with a crucial match against India approaching on Sunday in Dubai.

Imam's addition could bring essential stability to the top order; however, Fakhar’s absence will certainly create a gap in Pakistan’s batting lineup, particularly in the high-pressure match against their arch-rivals India.