Pakistan’s campaign in the ongoing Champions Trophy 2025 has suffered a major setback as opening batter Fakhar Zaman has been ruled out of the remainder of the tournament due to an oblique injury. The injury occurred during the tournament opener against New Zealand, leaving Pakistan without one of their key batters for the crucial upcoming matches.
How the Injury Happened
Zaman sustained the injury while fielding in the very first over of the match against New Zealand. After opener Will Young played a Shaheen Afridi delivery through the covers, Zaman chased down the ball to prevent it from crossing the boundary but suffered an injury in the process.
Despite his initial exit from the field, Zaman made a brief return later in the innings but was unable to resume his role as an opening batter due to the extended time he had spent off the field. Instead, he came out to bat at No. 4 but visibly struggled with running between the wickets. In his short stay at the crease, he scored 24 off 41 balls in a 47-run partnership with Babar Azam, who was also unable to accelerate the scoring rate as Pakistan faltered in their chase of 320.
Pakistan’s Performance in the Tournament Opener
Chasing a daunting target of 320 set by New Zealand, Pakistan fell short by 60 runs in the opening fixture. Despite some promising starts, the middle-order struggled against the disciplined New Zealand bowling attack, and the team ultimately fell behind in the run chase.
With this loss, Pakistan now faces a must-win scenario in their remaining Group A matches, particularly their highly anticipated clash against India on February 23, followed by their final group-stage game against Bangladesh in Rawalpindi on February 27.
Imam-ul-Haq Returns to the Squad
To fill the void left by Zaman’s injury, Pakistan has named 29-year-old Imam-ul-Haq as his replacement. Imam has been out of the national team since 2023, with his last appearance in the ODI format being during the ICC World Cup that year.
Imam brings considerable experience to the squad, having played 72 ODIs and amassed 3,138 runs at an impressive average of 48.27. His return is expected to provide stability at the top of the order, especially with Pakistan needing strong starts in the upcoming crucial matches.
Impact of Zaman’s Absence on Pakistan’s Batting Lineup
Zaman’s absence will be felt deeply, considering his aggressive style of play and ability to provide explosive starts. Over the years, he has been a key figure in Pakistan’s top order, often setting the platform for the middle-order batters. His capability to take on new-ball bowlers was a crucial asset, especially in high-stakes games.
Imam-ul-Haq, on the other hand, is a more traditional opener known for his ability to build innings with a steady approach. His inclusion may lead to a shift in Pakistan’s batting strategy, focusing more on consolidation rather than early aggression.
Pakistan’s Strategy Going Forward
With Imam stepping in as Zaman’s replacement, Pakistan’s approach in the remaining matches is likely to change. Imam’s experience and stability at the top may lead to a more calculated start in the powerplay overs, especially against high-quality bowling attacks like India’s.
Given Pakistan’s struggles in their first match, the team management will need to reassess their batting approach, ensuring that they balance aggression with stability to avoid another costly collapse.
Challenges Against India and Bangladesh
Pakistan’s next fixture against India on February 23 is a high-pressure match that could determine their chances of advancing to the knockout stage. India, boasting a strong lineup with an in-form bowling attack, will be a tough opponent, and Pakistan will need to bring their best game forward.
The final group-stage game against Bangladesh on February 27 in Rawalpindi will also be crucial. Bangladesh has consistently proven to be a formidable opponent in ICC tournaments, and Pakistan cannot afford to take them lightly.
Coach and Captain’s Reactions
Pakistan’s head coach expressed disappointment over Zaman’s injury but remained optimistic about the team’s chances moving forward. “Fakhar’s absence is a big blow, but we have confidence in Imam’s ability to step in and deliver when it matters the most,” he said.
Captain Babar Azam also weighed in, acknowledging the challenges ahead. “It’s unfortunate to lose a player of Fakhar’s caliber, but we have depth in our squad. Imam has performed well for Pakistan in the past, and we back him to do the same in this tournament,” he stated.
Looking Ahead
With the Champions Trophy 2025 heating up, Pakistan faces a challenging road ahead. The injury to Fakhar Zaman adds to their hurdles, but the inclusion of Imam-ul-Haq presents an opportunity for the team to recalibrate and strengthen their approach.
With crucial matches on the horizon, Pakistan must adapt quickly, correct their batting frailties, and bring their best cricket to keep their title hopes alive.