Fiery 27-year-old opener Fakhar Zaman became a legend in Pakistan on June 18, 2017, as he scored a century in ICC Champions Trophy 2017 final against Pakistan. Zaman's century helped Pakistan post a daunting total of 338/4 on the board and beat India by 158 runs. Ahead of the 2025 edition of Champions Trophy, Zaman has revealed that he did not want to play in the final and was forced by then head coach Mickey Arthur to play.
"I was not well the day before the game. I even talked to Mickey and said I won’t be able to play the game. He said you go out there and get a duck first ball, it doesn’t matter, you have to play that game. I managed to play but I remember that I didn’t sleep well that night and he forced me to play. I’m pleased he did," Fakhar said as quoted by the ICC.
Fakhar was dismissed in the fourth over by Jasprit Bumrah but it turned out to be a no-ball. Zaman had scored just three runs from seven balls before he got a reprieve when the Indian pacer's front foot was checked.
Zaman recalls love he got after Champions Trophy triumph
After the win, Zaman became a hero in Pakistan. He recalled how fans would travel hundreds of kilometres to meet him and hopes to put on more performances like that in the upcoming edition.
“It was special back in Pakistan,” he recalled. “I didn’t expect anything like that and I have never seen anything like that in my whole life.
“For many weeks, people from 500km or more away would come to take a picture. It was unbelievable and it was something special. The way we made people at that time, I wish I could do more things like that.”
Zaman repays selectors' faith
The veteran left-handed opener recently made a comeback to the ODI squad after young Saim Ayub was ruled out of the tournament due to an ankle injury he suffered in South Africa last month.
Zaman justified his place in the side as he scored a 69-ball 84 laced with seven furs and four sixes against New Zealand at the newly-renovated Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore. However, after Zaman's dismissal to Glenn Phillips, Pakistan batters failed to put up a fight and were bowled out for 252, losing the match by 78 runs. He will be seen in action again when Mohammad Rizwan-led side take on South Africa in their next clash at National Stadium, Karachi on February 12.