Injury setback for Pakistan before India showdown as key player...

New Delhi: Pakistan's hopes of a Champions Trophy comeback have been dashed as star batter Fakhar Zaman is ruled out for the remainder of the tournament due to a knee injury. Fakhar sustained the injury while fielding in Pakistan's opening match against New Zealand. Despite briefly returning to the field, Fakhar was visibly in discomfort and managed only 24 runs off 41 balls during his innings. He sought medical attention before being dismissed by Michael Bracewell. This loss will be a major blow for Mohammad Rizwan and the team as they strive to make an impact in the tournament.

During the post-match presentation, Rizwan expressed uncertainty about the severity of Fakhar’s injury, mentioning only that Fakhar was experiencing pain. Earlier, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) had released a statement indicating that Fakhar was being assessed for a muscle sprain. However, it has now been confirmed that Fakhar’s injury is more serious than initially thought, casting doubt on his availability for the Bangladesh match next week, and significantly lowering his chances of participating further in the tournament.

“Representing Pakistan on the biggest stage is an honour and dream of every cricketer in this country. I have been privileged enough to represent Pakistan multiple times with pride. 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. This is only just the beginning, the comeback will be stronger than the setback. Pakistan Zindabad,” Fakhar tweeted.

Representing Pakistan on the biggest stage is an honour and dream of every cricketer in this country. I have been privileged enough to represent Pakistan multiple times with pride. Unfortunately I’m now out of ICC Champions Trophy 2025 but surely Allah is the best planner.… pic.twitter.com/MQKmOI4rQU

— Fakhar Zaman (@FakharZamanLive) February 20, 2025

PCB announces replacement:
The Pakistan Cricket Board named Imam-ul-Haq as the official replacement for injured Fakhar. “The Event Technical Committee of the ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025 has approved Imam-ul-Haq as a replacement for Fakhar Zaman in the Pakistan squad. Twenty-nine-year-old Imam, who has played 72 ODIs, was named as a replacement after Fakhar was ruled out due to an oblique injury,” a release by the ICC stated.

Fakhar’s injury music to India’s ears:
This development is likely a relief for India, as it was Fakhar who played a pivotal role in denying Virat Kohli and his team the title in the 2017 Champions Trophy final. Fakhar’s stunning knock of 114 off 106 balls, including 12 boundaries and 3 sixes, guided Pakistan to a formidable total of 338/4, a target India couldn’t chase, falling short by 180 runs.

For Pakistan, this injury to Fakhar compounds their woes, as they are already without Saim Ayub in the tournament. There were also fitness concerns surrounding Haris Rauf, although he managed to make it for the opening game against New Zealand.