Veteran Pakistan opening batter Fakhar Zaman has announced his withdrawal from the ongoing ICC Champions Trophy 2025 due to a lower-back injury. The left-handed batter shared an emotional statement on X, expressing his disappointment and determination to support his team from the sidelines.
Zaman sustained the injury during a fielding effort in the first over, while preventing a boundary off Shaheen Shah Afridi’s bowling. Despite his injury, Zaman managed to score 24 runs off 41 balls before being dismissed by Michael Bracewell. Imam-ul-Haq has been announced as his replacement in the squad.
In his heartfelt message, Zaman wrote:
“Representing Pakistan on the biggest stage is an honour and dream of every cricketer in this country. I have been privileged enough to represent Pakistan multiple times with pride. Unfortunately, I’m now out of ICC Champions Trophy 2025 but surely Allah is the best planner. Grateful for the opportunity. I will be backing our boys in green from home. This is only just the beginning; the comeback will be stronger than the setback. Pakistan Zindabad.”
#### Impact on Pakistan’s Performance
All-rounder Salman Ali Agha, who scored 42 off 28 balls, highlighted the significant impact of Zaman’s absence on the team’s performance during the powerplay. He emphasized that Zaman is one of the best when the field is up, and his absence hindered their progress at the start of the innings.
“We were hampered by Fakhar’s absence at the start of the innings. In the last five or six years, no one utilizes the powerplay better than him. We didn’t even have 30 runs [they were 22 for 2] in the powerplay. We knew we’d have to attack from ball one and take risks. So I took those risks, but I still believe I should have taken the innings deeper. When you’re chasing 320, the powerplay is instrumental to it. But Fakhar Zaman, who uses that powerplay very well, couldn’t bat then because of his injury.”
Zaman’s injury and subsequent withdrawal from the tournament pose a significant challenge for Pakistan as they navigate the remainder of the Champions Trophy. The team’s ability to adapt to his absence and find alternative strategies will be crucial for their success in the competition.
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