Pakistani opener Fakhar Zaman is out of the Champions Trophy. Zaman was injured during fielding in the first league match played against New Zealand in Karachi. Fakhar Zaman was injured in the first over of New Zealand's innings. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) have announced Imam-ul-Haq as Fakhar's replacement. Will Young played Shaheen Shah Afridi's second ball towards covers in the tournament opener. Fakhar succeeded in stopping the boundary but injured his knee while diving. After that, he got up and left the field. Kamran Ghulam fielded in his place. Zaman came to bat at number four Due to injury, Fakhar came to bat at number 4 instead of opening. He was also having trouble running between the wickets. He scored 24 runs off 41 balls. During this inning, he needed medical attention twice. Played 114-run innings in the 2017 Champions Trophy final
Fakhar hasn't played any ODI match since the 2023 World Cup. He played a crucial role in Pakistan's triumph by scoring 114 runs against India in the 2017 Champions Trophy final. Saim Ayub is already out of the Champions Trophy
Pakistan could suffer significant losses after Fakhar's exit. Pakistan has to play their second league match against India in Dubai on February 23. In such a situation, Fakhar's absence could weaken Pakistan's batting order. Meanwhile, Sam Ayub was already ruled out of the tournament after getting injured in the Test series against South Africa before the Champions Trophy began. He had suffered an ankle injury. India vs Pakistan do-or-die for hosts Hosting their first major tournament at home after nearly three decades, Pakistan are on the brink of being eliminated from the group stage of the Champions Trophy if they lose against India. Having lost to New Zealand, another defeat against India on 23 February would mean that Mohammad Rizwan's men will be unable to progress from group A, and even if they end up beating Bangladesh, they will also reach two points.Original Article