Pakistan's destructive opener Fakhar Zaman has been ruled out of the Champions Trophy 2025. The batter sustained a lower back injury while featuring for the Mohammad Rizwan-led side's opener clash against New Zealand.
Pakistan batter Imam-ul-Haq is set to replace him in the Pakistan squad for the marquee event. The star batter has featured in 72 ODIs and scored 3138 runs to his name at an average of 48.3.
Pakistan are currently preparing for their second league match against India which will take place in Dubai on February 23 at Dubai Stadium. Fakhar is not travelling to Dubai alongside the Mohammad Rizwan-led side.
The opening batter Fakhar also took his social media to announce that he is out of the mega event.
"Representing Pakistan on the biggest stage is an honour and dream of every cricketer in this country. I have been privileged enough to represent Pakistan multiple times with pride. Unfortunately, I’m now out of ICC Champions Trophy 2025 but surely Allah is the best planner. Grateful for the opportunity. 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 Zindabad" posted Zaman.
Pakistan have already lost their first league match against New Zealand and now the upcoming clash against India will be a do-or-die clash of the hosts to stay in the Champions Trophy 2025 semifinal race. Pakistan will play their third league match against Bangladesh. The defending champions need to win their remaining matches to stay in the race for the semifinal.
Pakistan's updated squad: Mohammad Rizwan (c), Babar Azam, Imam-ul-Haq, Kamran Ghulam, Saud Shakeel, Tayyab Tahir, Faheem Ashraf, Khushdil Shah, Salman Ali Agha, Usman Khan, Abrar Ahmed, Haris Rauf, Mohammad Hasnain, Naseem Shah, Shaheen Shah Afridi.