Fakhar Zaman left the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 opener due to a lower back injury and is now out of the tournament. Imam-ul-Haq is set to replace him after passing a fitness test, despite previous concerns regarding his inclusion in the national team.

Pakistan opener Fakhar Zaman has been ruled out of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 due to an oblique tear, delivering the defending champions a big blow in their quest to retain the prestigious title. The news was confirmed by the ICC on February 20 (Thursday) after the left-handed batter sustained the injury while fielding during Pakistan's opening match against New Zealand at the National Stadium in Karachi on February

New Zealand won by 60 runs in the group stage of the ICC Champions Trophy against Pakistan on Wednesday, Feb. 19 in Karachi, Pakistan.Read More: 30 Days, 30 Deeds: The Ultimate Ramadan Kindness Challenge Pakistan won the toss and decided to bowl first at the National Bank Stadium.

Pakistan is ready to host the International Cricket Council Champions Trophy 2025 on Wednesday, with eight teams coming together for a major cricketing event in the country for the first time in three decades. Pakistan last hosted a men’s Cricket World Cup in 1996 under the International Cricket Council.

India has refused to play its Champions Trophy matches in Pakistan, which is hosting its first major global tournament in almost 30 years.

Cricket fans in Pakistan are buzzing ahead of the Champions Trophy and hosting the elite one-day international tournament will rekindle the country's love affair with the sport, three former captains said.