Fakhar Zaman’s injury has led to his replacement by Imam-ul-Haq for the Champions Trophy. Fakhar suffered an oblique injury during the opening match against New Zealand. This is a significant setback for Pakistan’s title defense, as Saim Ayub had previously sustained an injury. Pakistan departs for Dubai to face India in the upcoming game.

KARACHI, Pakistan (AP) — Pakistan’s defense of the Champions Trophy has encountered a significant setback as opening batsman Fakhar Zaman has been ruled out due to an oblique injury. This decision was made on Thursday, confirming Imam-ul-Haq as his replacement for the tournament. Fakhar sustained his injury during the opening game against New Zealand, where he fell awkwardly while attempting to field a ball. Despite the discomfort, he managed to score 24 runs off 41 balls before being dismissed, contributing to Pakistan’s 60-run loss.

The injury to Fakhar Zaman is the second major challenge facing Pakistan in their title defense, following the previous injury of Saim Ayub, who fractured his ankle during a Test match in South Africa. Fakhar, alongside Babar Azam and Faheem Ashraf, is one of the few remaining players from the squad that triumphed in the last Champions Trophy held in England in 2017, where he notably scored 114 runs in the final against India.

Imam-ul-Haq, the left-handed opener and replacement, is returning to international cricket after a hiatus since 2023 and boasts an impressive record with nine centuries in 72 one-day internationals. Following the roster changes, the team is scheduled to travel to Dubai on Thursday to prepare for their upcoming match against India on Sunday.

In summary, Fakhar Zaman’s injury represents a significant loss for Pakistan’s Champions Trophy campaign, impacting their title defense. Imam-ul-Haq’s inclusion may bring a fresh perspective to the team’s batting order. As Pakistan prepares to face India, the team will aim to overcome these challenges while seeking to advance in the tournament.

Original Source: apnews.com