Fakhar Zaman Injury Update: PCB Issues Official Statement

Pakistan's left-handed opener Fakhar Zaman suffered an injury scare while playing in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 opener against New Zealand at the National Stadium in Karachi. The player slipped awkwardly on the second ball of New Zealand's innings and went off for a medical examination. Although he came back onto the field, he walked off again shortly afterward, raising concerns about his fitness.

“Fakhar Zaman is being assessed and examined for a muscular sprain and further updates will be provided in due course,” said PCB in a statement.

Pakistan now hopes for further medical news, as the batter is an important part of the team's batting lineup following the departure of their strong hitter Saim Ayub due to an injury incurred prior to the tournament.

After the opening match, the team led by Mohammad Rizwan will travel to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) for the eagerly awaited game against their long-time rivals India at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on February 23. Pakistan will then take on Bangladesh for their third league match on February 27.

In the opener, New Zealand struggled after being asked to bat. Abrar Ahmed took Devon Conway’s wicket early in the powerplay. Soon after, veteran batter Kane Williamson was out in the ninth over after scoring just one run. At the time of writing, New Zealand was at 7176 for 3 in 35 overs.

Playing XIs

Pakistan: Fakhar Zaman, Babar Azam, Saud Shakeel, Mohammad Rizwan(w/c), Salman Agha, Tayyab Tahir, Khushdil Shah, Shaheen Afridi, Naseem Shah, Haris Rauf, Abrar Ahmed.

New Zealand: Devon Conway, Will Young, Kane Williamson, Daryl Mitchell, Tom Latham(w), Glenn Phillips, Michael Bracewell, Mitchell Santner(c), Nathan Smith, Matt Henry, William Orourke.

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