The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has confirmed that Fakhar Zaman has been ruled out of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 due to injury. After deliberations, the board has decided to replace him with Imam-ul-Haq, who was already part of the Pakistan Shaheens in the warm-up matches before the tournament.
Fakhar Zaman’s Injury – What Happened?
Fakhar Zaman sustained an injury while fielding during Pakistan’s match against New Zealand. As a result, he was unable to open the innings, and Saud Shakeel stepped in as an opener, while Fakhar Zaman was sent to bat at number four. Unfortunately, his injury proved to be more serious than expected, leading to his withdrawal from the tournament.
The PCB wasted no time in contacting the International Cricket Council (ICC) for approval of a replacement player, as required by the event’s technical committee. The committee, which includes Wasim Khan, Usman Wahla, Sarah Edgar, and Shaun Pollock, reviewed the request and officially approved Imam-ul-Haq as Fakhar Zaman’s replacement.
Why Imam-ul-Haq? A Strong Contender for the Squad
Imam-ul-Haq was a natural choice to replace Fakhar Zaman, given his strong performance in the warm-up matches before the Champions Trophy. He played a remarkable knock of 98 runs against South Africa, showcasing his ability to anchor the innings under pressure.
Here’s why Imam-ul-Haq’s inclusion makes sense for Pakistan:
Proven Track Record – He has been one of Pakistan’s most consistent ODI batsmen.
Recent Form – His performance in the warm-up matches demonstrated his match readiness.
Technical Stability – Imam is known for his solid technique, which could be crucial in challenging conditions.
Experience – Having played in multiple ICC tournaments, he brings stability to the batting lineup.
How Will This Impact Pakistan’s Batting Lineup?
With Imam-ul-Haq’s inclusion, Pakistan’s batting order is expected to see some adjustments:
- Imam-ul-Haq will likely take his usual opening spot alongside Abdullah Shafique or Babar Azam.
- Saud Shakeel might return to the middle order, where he has performed well in previous matches.
- The team management will have to decide whether to continue with their aggressive approach or adopt a more balanced strategy in Fakhar’s absence.
Pakistan’s Chances in the Champions Trophy
Losing a player like Fakhar Zaman is undoubtedly a setback for Pakistan. Known for his explosive starts and fearless approach, Fakhar has played some match-winning innings for the team in past ICC tournaments. However, Imam-ul-Haq brings his own strengths, particularly in building partnerships and playing long innings.
Pakistan will need to adapt quickly and ensure that the top order remains solid, as the Champions Trophy features highly competitive teams. The opening pair’s role will be crucial in setting a strong foundation for the middle order, which includes Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan, and Saud Shakeel.
What’s Next for Fakhar Zaman?
Fakhar Zaman will now undergo rehabilitation and focus on recovering from his injury. The PCB is expected to closely monitor his progress, as he remains a vital asset for Pakistan’s limited-overs squad. Fans will be hoping for his quick return ahead of future series and ICC tournaments.
A New Opportunity for Imam-ul-Haq
While Fakhar Zaman’s injury is a big blow, it also presents a huge opportunity for Imam-ul-Haq to prove his worth in one of the most prestigious tournaments in cricket. His ability to play big innings and provide stability at the top could be key to Pakistan’s success in the Champions Trophy 2025.
With high-stakes matches ahead, all eyes will be on Imam as he takes on the challenge of replacing Fakhar Zaman and helping Pakistan make a strong impact in the tournament.
