Fakhar Zaman ruled out of Champions Trophy ahead of India clash

Pakistan opener Fakhar Zaman suffers injury, replaced by Imam-ul-Haq.

Pakistan's Fakhar Zaman watches the stumps after being bowled during the ICC Champions Trophy match between Pakistan and New Zealand at the National Stadium in Karachi, Pakistan, on February 19, 2025. Photo by Asif Hassan/AFP

By Randy Ahmad and Yuni Utomo

Pakistan suffered a significant blow ahead of their crucial ICC Champions Trophy clash against India as opener Fakhar Zaman was ruled out of the tournament due to injury. The 34-year-old left-handed batsman has been replaced by Imam-ul-Haq, the International Cricket Council (ICC) confirmed on Thursday.

Zaman sustained a chest muscle sprain while fielding during Pakistan’s opening match against New Zealand in Karachi on Wednesday. The injury prevented him from taking his usual spot at the top of the order, forcing him to bat at number four. He struggled throughout his innings, scoring a labored 24 runs off 41 balls while visibly experiencing discomfort.

With Pakistan’s semi-final hopes on the line, Zaman’s absence leaves a gap in the batting lineup ahead of the high-stakes encounter against arch-rivals India on Sunday in Dubai.

Fakhar Zaman’s reaction and Pakistan’s replacement strategy

Zaman, who has played 86 ODIs with an average exceeding 46, expressed disappointment over missing the remainder of the tournament. He took to social media to share his thoughts on the setback.

"I have been privileged enough to represent Pakistan multiple times with pride," Zaman wrote. "Unfortunately, I’m now out of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, but surely Allah is the best planner. Grateful for the opportunity."

Despite his injury, he assured fans that he would continue supporting the team from home.

"I will be backing our boys in green from home. This is only just the beginning, the comeback will be stronger than the setback," he added.

To fill the void left by Zaman, Pakistan has brought in Imam-ul-Haq, a consistent performer with prior experience opening the innings. Imam’s ability to provide stability at the top will be crucial as Pakistan aims to revive their Champions Trophy campaign.

Pakistan’s road to the semi-finals faces a major test

Pakistan’s loss to New Zealand by 60 runs in the tournament opener has placed them in a precarious position. As the defending champions, they now face a must-win scenario against India to stay in contention for a semi-final berth.

With Bangladesh also in Group A, the competition remains fierce. Meanwhile, Group B features Australia, England, South Africa, and Afghanistan, with only the top two teams from each group advancing to the semi-finals.

Pakistan’s encounter with India has historically been one of the most anticipated matches in world cricket. The rivalry adds further intensity to an already pressure-packed game, where both teams will be looking to assert their dominance on the tournament stage.

Imam-ul-Haq’s role and Pakistan’s game plan

Imam-ul-Haq’s inclusion offers Pakistan a dependable option at the top of the order. The left-hander, known for his composed batting style, has delivered solid performances in ODI cricket, making him a natural replacement for Zaman.

Pakistan’s batting unit struggled against New Zealand’s bowling attack, failing to chase a competitive target. With Imam joining the lineup, the team will be looking for a strong start to counter India’s potent bowling attack, led by Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj.

The middle order, featuring the likes of Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan, will also need to step up to ensure Pakistan remains competitive. The bowling attack, spearheaded by Shaheen Afridi, will play a key role in restricting India’s batting firepower.

The stakes rise as Pakistan prepares for India showdown

As Pakistan prepares for its high-stakes clash against India, the loss of Fakhar Zaman adds further challenges. However, with Imam-ul-Haq stepping in and the team’s determination to bounce back, the encounter promises to be a thrilling contest.

Pakistan must regroup quickly, adjust their game plan, and deliver a strong performance to keep their Champions Trophy campaign alive. With the cricketing world watching, Sunday’s clash in Dubai is set to be a defining moment in the tournament.