Pakistan recall star left-hander as Fakhar Zaman's replacement in Champions Trophy 2025

Fakhar Zaman, who hit a century against India in the 2017 Champions Trophy final, will not be able to participate in the ongoing tournament. He will not be travelling to Dubai for Sunday's high-stake match against India because of chest muscle soreness, according to reports. Imam-ul-Haq, who last represented Pakistan in an ODI match in Chennai gets a chance to represent the team in ICC Champions Trophy 2025. Imam-ul-Haq is named as his replacement for the rest of the ongoing tournament.

During the opening game of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 against New Zealand, Fakhar got injured while fielding for Pakistan. Although he appeared in agony, he stepped out to bat at No. 4 during the 321-run chase, even though he didn't field for most of New Zealand's innings under Mohammad Rizwan. While he was at the crease, he faced 41 balls and scored 24 runs with four fours.

Fakhar Zaman was star for Pakistan in the ICC Champions trophy 2017

Fakhar Zaman's injury news has made things worse for Pakistan, since the team's best opening batsman, Saim Ayub, is already out due to an ankle injury. Fakhar Zaman was a notable player for the squad in the ICC Champions Trophy 2017 Final match against India, scoring 114 runs off 106 balls. In 50 overs, his innings enabled the side to score 338 runs at a cost of four wickets. Because of his excellent batting effort in the 2017 Champions Trophy final, Zaman won the Player of the Match award. 

Pakistan failed to get off to a good start in the Champions Trophy 2025 opener on Wednesday with Babar Azam and Saud Shakeel opening for the hosts in the absence of Fakhar Khan. Pakistan's next game in the tournament is against India in UAE. After losing the opening game Pakistan will aim to bounce back against India to get the first win in the tournament.