Pakistan opener Fakhar Zaman ruled out of Champions Trophy 2025

Pakistan's Champions Trophy 2025 campaign suffered a major setback as star opener Fakhar Zaman has been ruled out of the tournament due to an oblique muscle injury. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) confirmed that Imam-ul-Haq will replace him in the squad for the remainder of the tournament. Fakhar sustained the injury while fielding during Pakistan’s opening match against New Zealand and struggled while batting, scoring a slow 24 off 41 balls before being dismissed.

Pakistan captain Mohammad Rizwan had initially stated that the severity of Fakhar’s injury was uncertain, but a later medical assessment confirmed that he would not recover in time to participate further. As a result, Fakhar will also miss Pakistan's crucial match against India and is unlikely to return for the final group-stage game against Bangladesh. A PCB source confirmed, “He is all but out of the tournament.”

The Event Technical Committee of the ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025 approved Imam-ul-Haq as Fakhar’s replacement. Imam, 29, has played 72 ODIs and brings experience to the squad. However, Pakistan will sorely miss Fakhar’s presence, especially against India, given his heroics in the 2017 Champions Trophy final, where he scored a match-winning century against Virat Kohli’s side.

With Fakhar's exit, Pakistan faces yet another setback, as they are already without Saim Ayub in the tournament. There were initial concerns about the fitness of fast bowler Haris Rauf, but he has recovered and played in the opener against New Zealand.

Fakhar himself confirmed his departure from the tournament on social media, stating, "Representing Pakistan is an honor. Unfortunately, I’m out of the Champions Trophy, but the comeback will be stronger than the setback. Pakistan Zindabad." His absence leaves Pakistan's batting lineup vulnerable, particularly at the top order, where Imam will have to step up in high-pressure matches.