Fakhar Zaman's injury hampers Pakistan's Champions Trophy hopes

Pakistan's Champions Trophy campaign has taken a hit as Fakhar Zaman has been ruled out of the mega tournament due to a serious injury, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) confirmed on Thursday.

The left-handed batter sustained a muscular sprain during the opening over against New Zealand at Karachi's National Bank Stadium on February 19.

The incident occurred when Zaman awkwardly fell while fielding, leading to his immediate withdrawal from the match.

The PCB has since confirmed that he is undergoing assessment, and further updates will be provided.

In its latest statement, the cricket governing body said that Zaman will not be accompanying the squad leaving for Dubai for the next match.

"Fakhar Zaman's injury is of serious nature. He will not be able to play the remainder of the tournament," the PCB said.

The ICC Event Technical Committee has approved the inclusion of Imam-ul-Haq in the squad as a replacement for Zaman. The committee comprises Wasim Khan, Usman Wahla, Sarah Edgar, and Shaun Pollock.

His injury compounds Pakistan's challenges, especially after their 60-run defeat to New Zealand in the tournament's inaugural match.

Chasing a daunting 321-run target, the home side could accumulate 260 before getting bowled out in the 48th over despite half-centuries from Babar Azam and Khushdil Shah.

The team is now preparing for a crucial encounter against arch-rivals India in Dubai on February 23, where securing a victory is imperative to keep their championship aspirations alive.

The absence of Zaman, known for his aggressive batting, has disrupted Pakistan's top-order strategy.

The cricket fever is high among fans as Pakistan is hosting an ICC event after a 29-year hiatus. The country last hosted an ICC event in 1996 — ICC Cricket World Cup 1996, which concluded with the final at the Gaddafi Stadium, where Sri Lanka defeated Australia by seven wickets.

The eight-team tournament will be played across three venues in Pakistan — Karachi, Lahore and Rawalpindi — as well as in Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE) from 19 February to 9 March.

In the lead-up to the ICC Champions Trophy, the three venues in Pakistan — Gaddafi Stadium Lahore, National Bank Cricket Stadium Karachi and Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium – have undergone major upgrades, offering players and spectators world-class facilities.

The build-up has not been without problems after neighbours and arch-rivals India refused to play in Pakistan over long-standing political tensions. A powerhouse of the sport on and off the pitch, India will instead play their matches in Dubai.

The country has stepped up security, especially in host cities Karachi, Lahore and Rawalpindi, even if attacks in major cities are increasingly rare.