Fakhar Zaman ruled out of Champions Trophy 2025 ahead of India vs Pakistan match; Imam-ul-Haq named as replacement

Fakhar Zaman ruled out of Champions Trophy 2025 ahead of India vs Pakistan match; Imam-ul-Haq named as replacement

Pakistan suffered a major blow ahead of its high-stakes Champions Trophy 2025 clash against India, as opening batter Fakhar Zaman has been ruled out due to injury.

Twenty-nine-year-old Imam-ul-Haq, who has played 72 ODIs, has been named as a replacement.

Fakhar sustained the injury during Pakistan’s tournament opener against New Zealand. The incident occurred early in the match, on the second ball of Shaheen Shah Afridi’s first over — a wide, full delivery that Will Young drove through covers for three runs. Sprinting to the boundary in pursuit, Fakhar landed awkwardly while diving, immediately pulling up in visible discomfort. He signalled for a replacement and walked off the field, clutching his lower back. Kamran Ghulam stepped in as a substitute fielder.

Despite the setback, Fakhar later came out to bat at No. 4 instead of his usual opening slot. However, he struggled visibly, managing 24 off 41 balls and finding it difficult to run between the wickets. He required medical attention twice during his innings.

This injury is a significant setback for Pakistan, especially given Fakhar’s history in the Champions Trophy. He had not played an ODI since the 2023 World Cup, but the tournament holds special significance for him — he first rose to prominence in the 2017 edition, smashing a match-winning 114 against India in the final at The Oval.

Pakistan is currently without a regular opener in its squad as it prepares to take on arch-rival India in Dubai on February 23.

Pakistan’s title defence at home had already been dealt a blow when Saim Ayub was ruled out of the tournament after he twisted his ankle during the Test series in South Africa.