Top Ad
I DIG Radio
www.idigradio.com
Listen live to the best music from around the world!
I DIG Style
www.idigstyle.com
Learn about the latest fashion styles and more...

Injured Fakhar Zaman ruled out of Champions Trophy; Pakistan call up Imam-ul-Haq

Written by 
Published in Cricket
Thursday, 20 February 2025 01:54
Pakistan's hopes of defending their Champions Trophy title have taken a significant dent with opener Fakhar Zaman ruled out of the remainder of the tournament with an oblique injury. Imam-ul-Haq has been approved by the ICC as Fakhar's replacement.
Fakhar picked up the injury off just the second ball of the tournament, when he hared off in pursuit of a cover drive from Will Young off Shaheen Shah Afridi. When he collected the ball, he appeared to be in some discomfort. After treatment on the field, he was take off, and remained out for more than two hours.

That meant he could not open the Pakistan batting, and when he did come in at No. 4, he was visibly discomfited. He received multiple visits from the team doctor and physio, and took painkillers on the field throughout his 41-ball stay at the crease. It was something of a tortured innings, with his movements restricted, and he didn't look like he would have a serious impact on Pakistan's pursuit of the 320 New Zealand had scored. He scored 24 before he was dismissed.

The injury is especially unfortunate for Fakhar and Pakistan. He only returned to the side when Saim Ayub, Pakistan's standout opener in their three away series wins at the tail-end of last year, was struck down in similar circumstances. He went in pursuit of a ball down to the boundary in the second Test against South Africa in January, only to twist his ankle, which was later confirmed to be a fractured. It has ruled him out until at least March.

Fakhar's most famous contribution to Pakistan cricket has come in this tournament. He was the star batter in the final of the last Champions Trophy, in 2017, where he scored 114 against India as Pakistan won the tournament.

Imam, who comes into the side, does not have the same pedigree as Fakhar in terms of belligerence, and has not played international cricket since 2023. He does, however, have a stellar record as opener, averaging 48.27 with nine ODI centuries from 72 ODIs.

Pakistan are on the ropes in their defence of the trophy already, having succumbed to a 60-run defeat in the tournament opener against New Zealand. Their next game is on February 23, against India in Dubai.
Read 43 times

Soccer

Senator wants travel policies eased before '26 WC

Senator wants travel policies eased before '26 WC

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsSen. Ron Wyden of Oregon has asked top Trump administration officia...

Amorim: Man Utd can still get top transfer targets

Amorim: Man Utd can still get top transfer targets

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsRuben Amorim has said he is convinced that Manchester United can la...

Evra eyes Suárez MMA fight: 'He can even bite me'

Evra eyes Suárez MMA fight: 'He can even bite me'

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsFormer Manchester United defender Patrice Evra will make his debut...

2026 FIFA


2028 LOS ANGELES OLYMPIC

UEFA

2024 PARIS OLYMPIC


Basketball

Herro goes on offensive: Garland doesn't play D

Herro goes on offensive: Garland doesn't play D

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsAll-Stars Darius Garland and Tyler Herro have entered into a battle...

Draymond finishes first for NBA's Hustle Award

Draymond finishes first for NBA's Hustle Award

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsGolden State Warriors forward Draymond Green wanted to be named the...

Baseball

Brewers CF Mitchell exits with oblique tightness

Brewers CF Mitchell exits with oblique tightness

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsST. LOUIS -- Milwaukee Brewers center fielder Garrett Mitchell left...

Scherzer throws off mound as rehab progresses

Scherzer throws off mound as rehab progresses

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsNEW YORK -- Max Scherzer threw 27 pitches off the mound Friday and...

Sports Leagues

  • FIFA

    Fédération Internationale de Football Association
  • NBA

    National Basketball Association
  • ATP

    Association of Tennis Professionals
  • MLB

    Major League Baseball
  • ITTF

    International Table Tennis Federation
  • NFL

    Nactional Football Leagues
  • FISB

    Federation Internationale de Speedball

About Us

I Dig® is a leading global brand that makes it more enjoyable to surf the internet, conduct transactions and access, share, and create information.  Today I Dig® attracts millions of users every month.r

 

Phone: (800) 737. 6040
Fax: (800) 825 5558
Website: www.idig.com
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Affiliated