Fakhar Zaman Ruled Out of ICC Champions Trophy 2025 | Imam-Ul Haq announced as replacement

Pakistan Faces Major Setback Ahead of Clash Against India

Pakistan’s ICC Champions Trophy 2025 campaign suffered a major blow as Fakhar Zaman has been ruled out of the tournament due to a serious injury. The PCB confirmed on February 20 that the opening batter will not travel to Dubai for the highly anticipated match against India on February 23.

The injury occurred during Pakistan’s opening game against NZ at the National Bank Stadium, Karachi, on February 19. Zaman sustained a muscular sprain in the first over while attempting to stop a ball in the deep. Despite briefly returning to the field, he was unable to continue, raising concerns about his availability.

His absence has disrupted Pakistan’s batting order, which was evident in their 60-run loss to NZ. Captain Mohammad Rizwan acknowledged the setback but stressed the importance of bouncing back in upcoming matches.

Who Will Replace Zaman?

With Zaman ruled out, Imam-ul-Haq has emerged as a strong candidate to fill the opening slot. Imam, currently with the Pakistan Shaheens, was in excellent form recently, scoring 98 runs in a warm-up match against South Africa. The PCB has approached the ICC Technical Committee for approval to finalize his inclusion in the squad.

Imam-ul-Haq's inclusion brings much-needed stability to Pakistan’s batting lineup, especially after Fakhar Zaman's unfortunate exit due to injury. With over 70 ODIs under his belt, Imam offers experience and consistency at the top of the order. His ability to anchor the innings and rotate the strike effectively will be crucial as Pakistan aims to recover from their opening defeat in the tournament. Additionally, his recent form in domestic and international cricket makes him a strong candidate to provide solid starts alongside captain Mohammad Rizwan. The team management will be hoping that Imam can step up and deliver under pressure, especially in the high-stakes clash against India.

Pakistan’s Road Ahead in Champions Trophy 2025

Pakistan’s next game against arch-rivals IND in Dubai is a must-win encounter to stay in contention. Losing Zaman is a significant setback, but adjustments in strategy and squad depth will be key to turning their campaign around.

The Champions Trophy 2025 is a historic event for Pakistan, marking the country’s first ICC tournament hosting since 1996. Matches are being played across Karachi, Lahore, Rawalpindi, and Dubai, making it a significant moment for cricket in the region.

Fakhar Zaman’s Message to Fans

Fakhar Zaman expressed his disappointment in a heartfelt message:
"Representing Pakistan on the biggest stage is an honor and a dream for every cricketer in this country. Unfortunately, I’m now out of ICC Champions Trophy 2025. 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 fans will be hoping for a strong performance in the upcoming matches and a swift recovery for Zaman, who has been a key figure in Pakistan’s batting lineup.