The Pakistan cricket team suffered a significant blow ahead of their Champions Trophy clash against India after opener Fakhar Zaman was ruled out due to a recurring knee injury. In his place, Imam-ul-Haq has been added to the squad, which left for Dubai on Thursday.
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) announced the change after securing approval from the International Cricket Council’s (ICC) Event Technical Committee. The much-anticipated match against India is scheduled for Sunday at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium.
Zaman, who had been in good form, suffered the injury during Pakistan’s opening Champions Trophy match against New Zealand on February 19. The 34-year-old had strained a muscle while fielding and was forced to stay off the field for the majority of the innings. He sustained the injury while chasing a ball in the opening over of the match. Zaman later batted at No. 4, scoring 24 off 41 balls, but appeared to be struggling.
Following his ouster, Zaman took to ‘X’ to express his disappointment: “Unfortunately, I am 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.”
Zaman’s injury is a setback for the team, especially as he had made a return to the national side for the Champions Trophy after last playing in the 2023 World Cup. His long history of knee issues had always been a concern.
Imam-ul-Haq, 29, who has played 72 ODIs, will replace Zaman for the crucial match against India. The ICC Event Technical Committee, which made the final call on the replacement, consists of Wasim Khan (ICC General Manager – Cricket), Sarah Edgar (ICC Senior Manager – Events), Usman Wahla (PCB Director – International Cricket Operations), and Shaun Pollock (Independent Representative).
Zaman’s absence and Imam-ul-Haq’s inclusion will certainly add a new dynamic to Pakistan’s lineup as they prepare for the high-stakes encounter in Dubai.
