Pakistan has suffered a major setback ahead of its high-voltage Champions Trophy 2025 clash against India as opening batter Fakhar Zaman has been ruled out due to injury.
The left-handed opener sustained an injury during Pakistan’s tournament opener against New Zealand. The incident occurred on the second ball of Shaheen Shah Afridi’s first over, when Will Young drove a wide full delivery through covers for three runs. While sprinting toward the boundary, Fakhar landed awkwardly while diving, immediately pulling up in discomfort. He signaled for a replacement and walked off the field, clutching his lower back.
Despite the injury, Fakhar returned to bat at No. 4, a shift from his usual opening slot, but visibly struggled. He managed only 24 off 41 balls, requiring medical attention twice before eventually being ruled out of the tournament.
Fakhar’s absence leaves Pakistan without a regular opener as they gear up to face India in Dubai on February 23. His absence is particularly significant given his past Champions Trophy heroics, especially in the 2017 final against India, where he played a match-winning knock of 114 at The Oval.
Fakhar Zaman is the second Pakistan batter to be ruled out of the tournament, following Saim Ayub, who was ruled out after twisting his ankle during the Test series in South Africa.
With an unsettled opening combination and a crucial match against arch-rival India, Pakistan faces a tough challenge as it looks to overcome injury setbacks and keep its Champions Trophy 2025 campaign on track.