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Photograph: (Source: Hindustan Times)
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Imam-ul-Haq was added to the Pakistani cricket team's squad that departed for Dubai on Thursday after opener Fakhar Zaman was sidelined due to a recurrent knee ailment, causing the team to suffer a setback ahead of their Champions Trophy match against India. After receiving clearance from the Event Technical Committee of the International Cricket Council, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) implemented the alteration.
At the National Stadium in Karachi on Wednesday, Pakistan lost badly to New Zealand in the Champions Trophy opening match. Despite losing by 60 runs and failing to reach the Kiwis' aim of 320, the team captained by Muhammad Rizwan put on a poor display.
Fakhar Zaman out of Champions Trophy 2025:
Representing Pakistan on the biggest stage is an honour and dream of every cricketer in this country. I have been privileged enough to represent Pakistan multiple times with pride. Unfortunately I’m now out of ICC Champions Trophy 2025 but surely Allah is the best planner.… pic.twitter.com/MQKmOI4rQU
— Fakhar Zaman (@FakharZamanLive) February 20, 2025
Some of Pakistan's players have already been ruled out of the series due to injury issues. Regretfully, the string of injuries has continued, resulting in additional Fakhar Zaman news. The Southpaw suffered a lower back injury while fielding against New Zealand in the Champions Trophy 2025 opening. With his sincere social media post expressing his support for the squad, Fakhar has made his presence known even though the fans won't be able to witness him on the field.
The 34-year-old, who averages just over 46 and has played in 86 ODIs, was out for the majority of the New Zealand innings due to a strained muscle while fielding. He sustained the injury during the first over of the match while chasing a ball to the boundary. Zaman had been playing really well, so his dismissal is a setback.
Saud Shakeel had to take a stance as a stopgap opener on Wednesday after he was unable to begin batting in the second innings. Although he batted at number four and scored 24 off of 41, Zaman appeared to be having trouble during the game, which Pakistan lost by 60 runs. After competing in the 2023 World Cup in India, Zaman returned to the Pakistani team for the Champions Trophy. The opener has experienced knee issues for a long time.
Watch this space for more cricket news.
