Fakhar Zaman broke down in tears after an injury sidelined him from the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. The Pakistani opener hurt himself fielding in the tournament’s first match on February 20, 2025. Now, he’s out, and emotions are running high.
Zaman fell awkwardly in the opening over against New Zealand. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) assessed him for a muscular sprain. Despite the pain, he batted at number four, scoring 24 off 41 balls before Michael Bracewell dismissed him. A PCB video later showed him limping off, supported by Shaheen Shah Afridi.
The ICC Event Technical Committee approved Imam-ul-Haq, 29, as Zaman’s replacement. With 72 ODIs under his belt, Imam joined the squad after Zaman’s oblique injury ended his run. “Imam-ul-Haq replaces Fakhar Zaman,” the committee confirmed.
Fakhar’s Emotional Farewell
Zaman shared his heartache on Instagram. “Representing Pakistan is every cricketer’s dream,” he wrote. “I’m out of the Champions Trophy, but Allah knows best. I’ll cheer our boys from home. The comeback will be stronger. Pakistan Zindabad!” Fans rallied behind his spirit.
Fakhar Zaman’s emotional message for Team Pakistan after being ruled out of the Champions Trophy! 💔 pic.twitter.com/BBeMc7i952
— CricTracker (@Cricketracker) February 20, 2025Defending champions Pakistan lost their opener to New Zealand by 60 runs. Zaman’s exit adds pressure as they face India next on February 23. It’s a must-win clash to keep their title hopes alive.
Read: Fakhar Zaman Likely Out of ICC Champions Trophy 2025
Mohammad Rizwan (c), Babar Azam, Imam-ul-Haq, Kamran Ghulam, Saud Shakeel, Tayyab Tahir, Faheem Ashraf, Khushdil Shah, Salman Ali Agha, Usman Khan, Abrar Ahmed, Haris Rauf, Mohammad Hasnain, Naseem Shah, Shaheen Shah Afridi.
Fakhar Zaman is completely broken, we also feel this pain. 💔😢#ChampionsTrophy2025 #FakharZaman pic.twitter.com/Mm7xE1H5Ns
— Naqeeb Ullah Hamdard (@NaqeebHamdard56) February 21, 2025Zaman’s injury cuts his tournament short. But his vow to return stronger hints at a fierce recovery. For now, Pakistan adjusts without their star opener.
