Fakhar Zaman, Pakistan’s opening batter, is likely to miss the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 after the star batter suffered an injury during the tournament’s opening match against New Zealand on Wednesday. The injury occurred while Zaman was fielding in the first over of New Zealand’s innings. He fell awkwardly and was immediately taken off the field for a medical assessment. Although he briefly returned to play, Zaman was forced to leave the field again, raising concerns over his condition.

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has confirmed that Zaman will not travel with the team to Dubai for their upcoming match against India on February 23. “Fakhar Zaman is not travelling with the side to Dubai. The ICC will make further announcement in due course,” PCB said in a statement.

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Sources said that Imam-ul-Haq is likely to replace Zaman for the remainder of the tournament. Imam, who was part of the Pakistan Shaheens squad for the Champions Trophy warm-up match against South Africa, scored 98 runs in that game, demonstrating his strong form.

New Zealand defeated Pakistan by 60 runs in the Champions Trophy opener at the National Bank Stadium in Karachi, showcasing strong batting and strategic bowling. The defending champions were outdone in all departments in front of a capacity crowd that also had President of Pakistan Asif Ali Zardari in attendance. They were bowled out for 260 in 47.2 overs. Chasing a 321-run target, Pakistan had a wrong-footed start when they were forced to send Saud Shakeel to open the innings with Babar Azam since Fakhar Zaman was delayed by 20 minutes due to his absence off the field due to a spasm while fielding.