Pakistan’s Fakhar Zaman Ruled Out of Champions Trophy Ahead of India Clash
Hosts Pakistan suffered a major setback as opener Fakhar Zaman was ruled out of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 due to injury, just days before their high-stakes match against India.
The 34-year-old left-handed batsman has been replaced by Imam-ul-Haq, as confirmed by the International Cricket Council (ICC).
Fakhar Zaman’s Injury Details
Zaman sustained a chest muscle sprain while fielding during Pakistan’s opening match against New Zealand in Karachi on Wednesday.
Due to ICC playing regulations, he was unable to open the innings, instead batting at number four, where he struggled to a 41-ball 24 while showing visible signs of discomfort.
Pakistan lost the match by 60 runs, putting their campaign in jeopardy.
Fakhar Zaman’s Reaction
Zaman, who has played 86 ODIs with an average of over 46, expressed his disappointment on social media:
🗣️ “I have been privileged to represent Pakistan with pride. Unfortunately, I am now out of the 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 just the beginning—the comeback will be stronger than the setback.”
Pakistan’s Must-Win Clash Against India
Pakistan, the defending champions, now face a must-win showdown against arch-rivals India in Dubai on Sunday to keep their semi-final hopes alive.
ICC Champions Trophy 2025 – Group Standings
| Group A | Group B |
|---|---|
| 🇵🇰 Pakistan | 🇦🇺 Australia |
| 🇮🇳 India | 🏴 England |
| 🇧🇩 Bangladesh | 🇿🇦 South Africa |
| 🇳🇿 New Zealand | 🇦🇫 Afghanistan |
Tournament Format: The top two teams from each group will advance to the semi-finals.
Pakistan now faces an uphill battle in their quest to defend their Champions Trophy title. Can they bounce back against India?
| Pos | Club | P | W | D | L | F | A | GD | Pts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |  Liverpool | 28 | 20 | 7 | 1 | 66 | 26 | 40 | 67 |
| 2 |  Arsenal | 27 | 15 | 9 | 3 | 51 | 23 | 38 | 54 |
| 3 |  Nottingham Forest | 27 | 14 | 6 | 7 | 44 | 33 | 11 | 48 |
| 4 |  Man City | 27 | 14 | 5 | 8 | 53 | 37 | 16 | 47 |
| 5 |  Chelsea | 27 | 13 | 7 | 7 | 52 | 36 | 16 | 46 |
| 6 |  Newcastle | 27 | 13 | 5 | 9 | 46 | 38 | 8 | 44 |
| 7 |  Bournemouth | 27 | 12 | 7 | 8 | 45 | 32 | 13 | 43 |
| 8 |  Brighton | 27 | 11 | 10 | 6 | 44 | 39 | 5 | 43 |
| 9 |  Fulham | 27 | 11 | 9 | 7 | 40 | 36 | 4 | 42 |
| 10 |  Aston Villa | 28 | 11 | 9 | 8 | 40 | 45 | -5 | 42 |
| 11 |  Brentford | 27 | 11 | 5 | 11 | 48 | 43 | 5 | 38 |
| 12 |  Crystal Palace | 27 | 9 | 9 | 9 | 35 | 33 | 2 | 36 |
| 13 |  Tottenham | 27 | 10 | 3 | 14 | 53 | 39 | 14 | 33 |
| 14 |  Man United | 27 | 9 | 6 | 12 | 33 | 39 | -6 | 33 |
| 15 |  West Ham | 27 | 9 | 6 | 12 | 32 | 47 | -15 | 33 |
| 16 |  Everton | 27 | 7 | 11 | 9 | 30 | 34 | -4 | 32 |
| 17 |  Wolves | 27 | 6 | 4 | 17 | 37 | 56 | -19 | 22 |
| 18 |  Ipswich | 27 | 3 | 8 | 16 | 26 | 57 | -31 | 17 |
| 19 |  Leicester | 27 | 4 | 5 | 18 | 25 | 61 | -36 | 17 |
| 20 |  Southampton | 27 | 2 | 3 | 22 | 19 | 65 | -46 | 9 |