Pakistan's star opener Fakhar Zaman has finally addressed the rumours floating about his retirement following Pakistan's horrific campaign in the Champions Trophy 2025. Earlier, reports were doing rounds that Fakhar Zaman is contemplating to take retirement from ODI cricket after the end of Champions Trophy 2025. Fakhar was apparently ruled out of the Champions Trophy after he picked up an injury during tournament opener against New Zealand.
Now Fakhar has publicly refuted recent media reports suggesting his imminent retirement. He dismissed these speculations as 'baseless," clarifying his intentions to continue his cricketing career. This statement comes after a period of uncertainty fueled by reports of his potential exit from ODI cricket.
Zaman returned to the Pakistan's fold during the home tri-nation ODI series against New Zealand and South Africa after a long gap. He was then named in Pakistan's Champions Trophy squad but little did he know what was in store for him. He suffered an oblique injury during Pakistan's Champions Trophy clash against New Zealand in Karachi on February 19, when he landed awkwardly while fielding in the opening over.
Fakhar did return to the field to bat but his injury resurfaced, prompting concerns regarding his overall fitness. Medical scans revealed an oblique tear, which ultimately resulted in his withdrawal from the Champions Trophy 2025, a particularly big blow given Pakistan's upcoming match against India in Dubai on February 23. PCB then officially confirmed Zaman's exclusion from the remainder of the Champions Trophy, announcing Imam-ul-Haq as his replacement. Following this announcement, media reports began circulating, suggesting that Zaman was contemplating retirement.
Fakhar Zaman breaks silence on retirement talks
The reports also suggested that Fakhar is planning to retire from ODI cricket because he is upset and down because of his recent fitness and health issues. The same report also hinted that PCB has asked the star opener to not take any decision in haste.
But now Fakhar, who is currently undergoing rehabilitation at the National Cricket Academy (NCA), has himself refuted the retirement rumours and clarified that he remains dedicated to recovering from his injury and is committed to resuming his role in the national team once he regains full fitness.
“There is no truth in the retirement news. I will be fully fit and join the team soon. The doctor has advised me to start training after three weeks So I will be back in the team in a month,” Fakhar Zaman said in a video posted by Pakistan Cricket on X, earlier known as Twitter.
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As far as Zaman's ODI track record is concerned, he has featured in 86 ODIs and has amassed 3651 runs with a an impressive average of 46.21 and highest score of 210. Zaman also played a key role in Pakistan's title win in Champions Trophy 2017.
