Pakistan’s national team opener, Fakhar Zaman, who was injured during fielding in the initial match of the Champions Trophy, has been ruled out of the tournament.
The national team has departed from Karachi to Dubai today for the match against India scheduled for February 23. However, Fakhar Zaman is not accompanying the team to Dubai.
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has officially announced Fakhar Zaman’s exit from the Champions Trophy. Sources indicate that Fakhar’s injury is serious, and he will no longer be able to participate in the tournament.
According to sources, the PCB has contacted the ICC Technical Committee for a replacement player and is considering various names for an alternative opener.
Sources suggest that Imam-ul-Haq is likely to join the Pakistani team for the Champions Trophy as a replacement for Fakhar Zaman. Imam had scored 98 runs in the warm-up match against South Africa.
Sources from the PCB revealed that when Fakhar Zaman fell while fielding during the match against New Zealand, he immediately stated that he couldn’t stand up. However, after treatment by the physio, he was able to get up, and the team management decided to test him in batting. Yet, he struggled during batting as well.
In the first match of the Champions Trophy, due to Fakhar Zaman’s injury, Saud Shakeel opened the innings alongside Babar Azam, while Fakhar batted in the middle order. In the match played yesterday, New Zealand defeated Pakistan by 60 runs.
