Ahead of their ICC Champions Trophy clash against arc-rival India on Sunday, Pakistan suffered a big blow as their key batter Fakhar Zaman has been ruled out due to an injury he sustained during the match against New Zealand.
Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) confirmed Imam Ul Haque will be the replacement for Fakhar in their squad.
Fakhar was Pakistan’s main weapon when they beat India to win the ICC Champions Trophy in 2017. Now, when they are set to face India again in the same event to defend their title, Fakhar is missing out.
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He shared the sad news for Pakistan fans on his social media page.
“I have been privileged enough to represent Pakistan multiple times with pride,” Fakhar wrote on his Instagram profile.
“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,” he added.
Fakhar played 86 ODIs for Pakistan and scored more than 3600 runs with 11 centuries and 17 half centuries.