NEW DELHI: The ICC has confirmed Imam-ul-Haq’s inclusion as a replacement for Fakhar Zaman in Pakistan’s Champions Trophy squad, following the latter’s injury.
Fakhar sustained an injury whilst fielding during the opening match against New Zealand in Karachi, forcing him to leave the field.
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The PCB initially reported that Fakhar was undergoing assessment for a muscular sprain. When he eventually batted, entering in the tenth over, his performance was noticeably affected, scoring 24 runs from 41 deliveries.
On Thursday, the ICC officially announced Fakhar’s withdrawal from the tournament due to an oblique injury. Any squad replacement requires approval from the Event Technical Committee prior to formal inclusion.
The ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025 Event Technical Committee comprises Wasim Khan (ICC General Manager – Cricket), Sarah Edgar (ICC Senior Manager – Events), Usman Wahla (PCB Director – International Cricket Operations), and Shaun Pollock (Independent Representative).
Imam-ul-Haq, aged 29, who has featured in 72 ODIs, joins as Fakhar’s replacement. Notably, Fakhar himself had earlier replaced Saim Ayub, who was sidelined with an ankle fracture.
Imam is set to return to international cricket since 2023, as Pakistan prepare to field revised opening pair for their crucial match against India in Dubai on February 23. The defending champions must secure a victory following their 60-run defeat to New Zealand.
Pakistan squad: Mohammad Rizwan (c), Babar Azam, Imam-ul-Haq, Kamran Ghulam, Saud Shakeel, Tayyab Tahir, Faheem Ashraf, Khushdil Shah, Salman Ali Agha, Usman Khan, Abrar Ahmed, Haris Rauf, Mohammad Hasnain, Naseem Shah, and Shaheen Shah Afridi.
