Fakhar Zaman is being evaluated following a near-injury during the Champions Trophy opening.

Just as the game was getting underway, the Pakistani squad suffered yet another setback. Fakhar Zaman had only two deliveries into the Champions Trophy 2025 opener when he dealt a possible injury.

On Wednesday, February 19, at the National Stadium in Karachi, Pakistan (PAK) will play New Zealand (NZ) in the opening match of the Champions Trophy (CT 25). After winning the toss, the home team chose to field first. Haris Rauf, who sustained an injury during the tri-series, has returned to the team, according to captain Mohammed Rizwan. However, Rachin Ravindra, who sustained an injury during the same series, was unable to play because of his recuperation.

Will Young, the Kiwi opener, beat the in-field with a fuller delivery from pacer Shaheen Afridi, driving it through the covers. Fakhar quickly grabbed the ball and passed it to Babar Azam to save the boundary. But shortly after, he started to have back pain and called the team physiotherapist to come help him. After a while, he walked slowly back to the dressing room.

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

Babar Azam third strength is: Muhammad Amir

Saim Ayub, Pakistan’s opener, suffered another major setback when he twisted his ankle during the Test series against South Africa. It was decided that Babar would give up his one-down batting position and open with Fakhar in the global event after he missed the Champions Trophy. Mohammad Amir, a former bowler for Pakistan, expressed dissatisfaction with this decision, nevertheless.

As I mentioned earlier, my strength is a fresh ball, so I won’t be able to use it if I don’t get to bowl with one. And my strength should be used to choose me. Number three is Babar’s strength. From there, he knows how to add innings. In T20, the opener plays a different function. According to Hindustan Times, Amir stated, “The role is different in One-Day and Test.”

“He must complete it in stages. I have to take a chance in ten overs. I need to form a partnership in the next ten overs. It’s a separate role. Yes, Babar is a major player. However, I believe he ought to have started at number three. His strength is this. Yes, you try different things when you’re stuck. The former Pakistani pacer came to the conclusion, “Perhaps I should take runs from here or there.”