Pakistan star ruled out of Champions Trophy ahead of blockbuster India fixture
A big blow for Pakistan's Champions Trophy defence with a key batter ruled out for the remainder of the tournament.
Pakistan have suffered a massive blow with news that opener Fakhar Zaman will miss his side's match against India in Dubai on Sunday.
Fakhar hurt himself while fielding in the opening over of Pakistan's clash against New Zealand in Karachi and has been subsquently ruled out of the tournament ahead of the big contest against arch-rival India.
WATCH: Heartbreaking visuals after Fakhar Zaman is ruled out of the tournament | Champions Trophy 2025
Heartbreaking visuals after Fakhar Zaman is ruled out of the tournament | Champions Trophy 2025
The Pakistan Cricket Board have confirmed that the seasoned batter will miss the big ticket match owing to an oblique tear.
Imam-ul-Haq has been named as Fakhar's replacement in the Pakistan's Champions Trophy squad. The 27-year-old, who has featured in 72 ODIs, has 3138 runs to his name at an average of 48.3.
Pakistan's updated squad: Mohammad Rizwan (c), Babar Azam, Imam-ul-Haq, Kamran Ghulam, Saud Shakeel, Tayyab Tahir, Faheem Ashraf, Khushdil Shah, Salman Ali Agha, Usman Khan, Abrar Ahmed, Haris Rauf, Mohammad Hasnain, Naseem Shah, Shaheen Shah Afridi.
Fakhar forced off field with injury
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.
