An emotional Fakhar ruled out of Champions Trophy; Pakistan face a must-win clash against India
February 21, 2025: Fakhar Zaman’s Devastation Captured on Camera
Pakistan’s Champions Trophy 2025 campaign took a devastating turn as they suffered a defeat to New Zealand in their opening match and lost Fakhar Zaman to injury. The left-handed batter, one of Pakistan’s most crucial players, broke down in tears after being dismissed for 24 off 41 balls, marking a heartbreaking moment for the team and fans alike.
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Zaman, who had picked up an injury on just the second ball of the match, was unable to open the innings. He bravely walked in at No. 3, fighting through visible discomfort, but struggled to rotate the strike. Once dismissed, he was inconsolable, with Shaheen Afridi attempting to comfort him as he walked off the field.
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The ICC shared a video of Fakhar’s emotional exit, which has since gone viral, sparking an outpouring of support from fans worldwide.
Pakistan in Trouble: Must-Win Clash Against India Looms
Adding to Pakistan’s woes, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) confirmed that Fakhar Zaman has been ruled out of the remainder of the tournament. He has been replaced by Imam-ul-Haq, who now faces the challenge of stepping up for Pakistan in a crucial period.
With their next match against India in Dubai, Pakistan now finds itself in a must-win situation. A loss to India would jeopardize their qualification hopes, forcing them to rely on favorable results from other matches.
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