Fakhar Zaman Ruled Out of Champions Trophy 2025 | Big Blow for Pakistan Cricket Team

Pakistan Cricket Team have been dealt a massive blow ahead of their crunch Champions Trophy clash against India. According to several reports, Pakistan’s opener Fakhar Zaman has been ruled out of the tournament due to a muscular injury. The 34-year-old opener sustained this injury while fielding in Pakistan’s Champions Trophy opener against New Zealand.

Pakistan won the toss and chose to chase at the National Stadium in Karachi, but their plans took an early hit – literally. On just the second ball of the match, Shaheen Afridi delivered one outside off, and Will Young sent it racing through the off-side. Fakhar Zaman, stationed at mid-off, sprinted after it, determined to stop it before it reached the boundary. However, in a cruel twist of fate, his knees got stuck in the turf, leaving him in clear discomfort. 

Pakistan’s physio rushed to his aid, and though Zaman managed to walk off without assistance, he had to leave the field. Kamran Ghulam stepped in as a temporary fielding replacement. After undergoing a medical assessment, Zaman returned to the field in the ninth over, but it was evident that he wasn’t at full strength. When it was his turn to bat, he struggled, managing just 24 runs off 41 balls in a sluggish effort. Pakistan skipper Mohammad Rizwan later admitted that Zaman’s injury had a significant impact on their performance, both at the start and towards the end of the innings. "Let's see what the result from the (scan) is. We lost momentum twice, first in the death overs and then in the powerplay with the bat. Losing Fakhar Zaman [as opener] was crucial," Rizwan told ANI. 

Fakhar Zaman’s absence could be a massive blow to Pakistan’s chances against India. The 34-year-old is one of the finest ODI batsmen in the world, and his impact at the top of the order is undeniable. Currently ranked 14th in the latest ICC ODI rankings with 632 points, he’s Pakistan’s second-highest-ranked batter – only behind Babar Azam, who sits at No. 2. Losing a player of his caliber at such a crucial stage could significantly dent Pakistan’s hopes of lifting the Champions Trophy. 

Imam-Ul-Haq Announced as Fakhar Zaman’s Replacement 

Imam-ul-Haq is expected to step in as Fakhar Zaman’s replacement for the remainder of the tournament, having reportedly cleared his fitness test. However, the situation has raised some eyebrows. As per Aaj.TV in Pakistan, it seems odd that Imam had to undergo another fitness assessment, given that he’s been part of the national squad for a while. 

Imam’s recent absence from the team wasn’t just about form – Cricket Pakistan reports that he was dropped due to an internal report from former team director Mohammad Hafeez, which accused him of leaking confidential team matters. 

Also Read: IND vs BAN Champions Trophy 2025 Match Prediction, Fantasy Cricket Tips, Playing XI, and Pitch Report