Champions Trophy: Massive setback for Pakistan ahead of high-voltage clash against India

Ahead of the high-voltage clash against arch-rivals India in the ongoing ICC Champions Trophy 2025, there has been a massive setback for Pakistan.

As per reports, host Pakistan’s star batsman Fakhar Zaman has been sidelined following a lower back injury. This development adds to Pakistan’s challenges in the tournament after their initial defeat against New Zealand.

Zaman’s injury

Zaman suffered a knee injury while fielding during Pakistan’s opening match against New Zealand on Thursday. Although he briefly returned to the field, Fakhar was clearly struggling with discomfort when it was his turn to bat. During his batting, he was visibly in pain and discomfort.

Replacement announced

Following Zaman’s injury, the Pakistan Cricket Board named Imam-ul-Haq as the official replacement for injured Fakhar. As per reports, the Event Technical Committee of the ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025 has approved Imam-ul-Haq as a replacement for Fakhar Zaman in the Pakistan squad. The replacement was announced by PCB after Zaman was ruled out due to an oblique injury.

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Setback for Pakistan

Zaman’s injury is likely a relief for India, as it was the star Pakistan batter who played a key role in denying the Men in Blue the title in the 2017 Champions Trophy final. His brilliant knock of 114 off 106 balls, with 12 boundaries and 3 sixes, helped Pakistan score a formidable total of 338/4. However, India failed to chase the target, falling short by 180 runs.