Pakistan’s opening batsman, Fakhar Zaman, has been ruled out of the ongoing ICC Champions Trophy due to a back injury sustained during the team’s opening match against New Zealand, sources confirmed on Thursday.
As per team officials, medical experts have advised the left-handed batter to take complete rest, making him unavailable for the remainder of the tournament. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is expected to release an official statement soon regarding his replacement.
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Zaman sustained the injury while fielding in the very first over at the National Stadium Karachi. In an attempt to prevent a boundary off Shaheen Shah Afridi’s delivery, he successfully saved the ball but landed awkwardly near the boundary rope.
He was seen holding his lower back in pain before requesting a substitute fielder. The team physiotherapist attended to him on the field before escorting him to the dressing room for further evaluation. Following medical assessments, doctors recommended complete rest, ruling him out of the tournament.
With Pakistan having won the toss and chosen to bowl first against New Zealand, the team will now need to reconsider its opening pair for the remaining matches.
Zaman’s injury is a significant blow to the Green Shirts, as he was expected to be a key player at the top of the batting order. The PCB is expected to announce his replacement in the coming days.
