Islamabad: Pakistan’s opening batsman Fakhar Zaman was seen visibly emotional in the dressing room after sustaining a tournament-ending injury during Pakistan’s Champions Trophy 2025 opener against New Zealand. The heartbreaking moment, captured on video, shows Zaman breaking down upon returning to the pavilion, with Shaheen Afridi and other teammates trying to console him.
Injury Struggles on the Field
Zaman initially sustained an oblique tear in the first over while fielding but attempted to continue despite discomfort. He received medical treatment and returned to the field twice, but his movements remained restricted. Later in the match, he attempted to bat at number four, showing resilience but managing only 24 runs off 41 balls before being dismissed.
PCB Confirms Withdrawal from Tournament
Following medical assessments, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) confirmed Zaman’s withdrawal from the remainder of the Champions Trophy. Imam-ul-Haq has been officially named as his replacement in the squad. This unfortunate setback further compounded Pakistan’s difficult start to the tournament, as the team suffered a 60-run defeat to New Zealand in the opening match.
Emotional Dressing Room Footage Goes Viral
A recently released video captures Zaman walking slowly towards the dressing room, visibly distraught after his dismissal. Upon entering, the left-hander struggled to control his emotions, with Shaheen Afridi and other teammates seen comforting him in the pavilion. The footage has since gone viral, drawing emotional reactions from fans and former cricketers, who praised Zaman’s commitment to the game.
Pakistan’s Next Steps in the Tournament
With Fakhar Zaman ruled out, Pakistan will now rely on Imam-ul-Haq to step up in the crucial upcoming matches, including the much-anticipated clash against India on Sunday. The team will be looking to recover from the disappointing loss and realign its strategy moving forward.
