Pakistan handed early Champions Trophy scare as key batter picks up injury in tournament opener
A key member of Pakistan’s 2017 Champions Trophy triumph, Fakhar Zaman, was pulled off the field in the first over.
A pall of gloom was casted on Pakistan’s Champions Trophy title defence as reputed opener Zaman pulled up injured on the second delivery of their first game against New Zealand.
Making a diving attempt while fielding in the deep, Zaman was seen in discomfort and was tended to by the physio before he was forced off the field.
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"Fakhar Zaman is being assessed and examined for a muscular sprain and further updates will be provided in due course," the PCB said in a statement.
WATCH: Fakhar forced off field with injury | PAK v NZ | Champions Trophy 2025
Fakhar forced off field with injury | PAK v NZ | Champions Trophy 2025
Zaman had been a prolific feature of the Pakistan squad when they won their first-ever Champions Trophy title in 2017.
The southpaw opener bashed a sensational hundred in the summit clash against India to inspire a 180-run win.
Pakistan's title defence at home had already been dealt when Saim Ayub was ruled out of the tournament after he twisted his ankle during the Test series in South Africa.
