Imam-ul-Haq to replace Fakhar Zaman in the Champions Trophy?
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has started looking for a better replacement for Fakhar Zaman, who has been officially ruled out of the ICC Champions Trophy due to injury, sources confirmed on Thursday.
According to sources, the PCB has sent a message to the International Cricket Council (ICC) regarding a potential replacement, with left-handed opener Imam-ul-Haq emerging as a strong contender to join the squad.
The final decision, however, rests with the ICC Technical Committee, which will make an official announcement in due course.
Imam, who was part of Pakistan Shaheens in the warm-up matches ahead of the tournament, made a strong case for selection with a well-compiled 98-run innings against South Africa.
His inclusion could bolster Pakistan’s top order, which now requires restructuring following Zaman’s exit.
What happened to Fakhar Zaman?
Zaman sustained a back injury while fielding against New Zealand at the National Stadium Karachi, forcing a reshuffle in the batting order.
Saud Shakeel was promoted to open the innings, while Zaman batted at number four despite his discomfort.
The PCB is expected to make a formal announcement on the replacement once ICC approval is granted.
Fakhar Zaman stats
Format | Matches | Innings | Not Outs | Runs | High Score | Average | Balls Faced | Strike Rate | Hundreds | Fifties | Fours | Sixes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Test 2018–19 | 3 | 6 | 0 | 192 | 94 | 32.0 | 359 | 53.5 | 0 | 2 | 20 | 1 |
ODI 2017– | 86 | 85 | 6 | 3651 | 210* | 46.2 | 3890 | 93.8 | 11 | 17 | 410 | 79 |
T20I 2017– | 92 | 84 | 3 | 1848 | 91 | 22.8 | 1390 | 132.9 | 0 | 11 | 172 | 76 |
1st class 2013–21 | 53 | 87 | 4 | 3111 | 205 | 37.5 | 5085 | 61.2 | 6 | 20 | 451 | 14 |
List A 2012– | 163 | 161 | 8 | 7086 | 210* | 46.3 | 7544 | 93.9 | 19 | 39 | 792 | 143 |
T20 2017– | 277 | 267 | 10 | 7232 | 115 | 28.1 | 5356 | 135.0 | 3 | 49 | 717 | 281 |
Format | Matches | Innings | Balls Bowled | Maidens | Runs Given | Wickets | Best Bowling | Economy Rate | Average | Strike Rate | 4 Wicket Hauls | 5 Wicket Hauls |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Test 2018–19 | 3 | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – |
ODI 2017– | 86 | 7 | 135 | 0 | 111 | 1 | 1/19 | 4.93 | 111.0 | 135.0 | 0 | 0 |
T20I 2017– | 92 | 1 | 6 | 0 | 12 | 0 | 0/12 | 12.00 | – | – | 0 | 0 |
1st class 2013–21 | 53 | 29 | 499 | 13 | 226 | 10 | 2/2 | 2.72 | 22.6 | 49.9 | 0 | 0 |
List A 2012– | 163 | 41 | 896 | 1 | 750 | 21 | 5/27 | 5.02 | 35.7 | 42.7 | 0 | 1 |
T20 2017– | 277 | 15 | 146 | 0 | 162 | 0 | 0/12 | 6.66 | 40.5 | 36.5 | 0 | 0 |
Format | Catches | Run Outs | Stumpings |
|---|---|---|---|
Test 2018–19 | 3 | 0 | 0 |
ODI 2017– | 43 | 1 | 0 |
T20I 2017– | 50 | 3 | 0 |
1st class 2013–21 | 46 | 0 | 0 |
List A 2012– | 76 | 8 | 0 |
T20 2017– | 127 | 10 | 0 |
