Champions Trophy: Fakhar Zaman Faces Injury Setback in Pakistan's Opening Match Against New Zealand

February 19, 2025: Pakistan’s defense of the ICC Champions Trophy title got off to a shaky start on Wednesday, as Fakhar Zaman was forced off the field early in their opening match against New Zealand in Karachi. Zaman was injured while attempting to stop a shot from New Zealand's Will Young. Young drove Shaheen Afridi’s delivery through the covers, and Zaman sprinted to cut it off. He palmed the ball to Babar Azam for the return throw, but immediately showed signs of discomfort in his lower back and called for a substitution.

Despite walking off unaided with the physio, Zaman had to leave the field for further assessment. Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) later confirmed that he was being examined for a muscular sprain, and updates would be provided as necessary. However, Zaman returned to the field after New Zealand lost their second wicket in the ninth over.

The injury setback for Zaman was particularly concerning as Pakistan had already lost Saim Ayub to injury before the tournament. Ayub had twisted his ankle while chasing a ball during a Test match against South Africa, resulting in a fracture that ruled him out of the tournament. Zaman was called up as his replacement and had made an immediate impact, scoring 84 off 69 balls and 41 off 28 in his first two outings since rejoining the team.

On a more positive note, Pakistan’s pace spearhead Haris Rauf was deemed fit to play after recovering from a side strain he sustained during the triangular series involving Pakistan, New Zealand, and South Africa. However, there was also concern on the New Zealand side, as Rachin Ravindra had suffered a blow to the forehead during fielding at the boundary in the same series, requiring stitches. Although he participated in training, Ravindra was not selected for this match but was seen running drinks for his teammates.

This match marked a historic return of ICC tournament cricket to Pakistan for the first time since 1996. The opening ceremony was attended by Pakistan’s President Asif Ali Zardari and featured a grand Air Force fly-past parade, drawing massive crowds outside Karachi’s National Stadium before the start of the game.

As the match unfolded, Pakistan hoped to overcome the injury scare and make a strong start to their Champions Trophy campaign.