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Pakistan’s opening batter Fakhar Zaman didn’t come to open the innings alongside Babar Azam in the ongoing match one of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 against New Zealand at National Bank Stadium in Karachi. In the very second ball of the match, the defending champions suffered an early blow as Fakhar felt discomfort on his knee after saving the ball to cross the boundary line.
Although, Fakhar Zaman was successful in stopping the boundary, he had to leave the field in the first over of the match. Fakhar didn’t take much time to return on the field giving Pakistani fans a sigh of relief as he is the only regular opener in Pakistan’s Champions Trophy squad. However, despite looking fit, Fakhar didn’t come to open the innings for Pakistan as the hosts were on their way to begin their chase for 321 runs.
Why didn't Fakhar Zaman come to open the innings with Babar Azam vs New Zealand?
Batting first, New Zealanf posted a total of 320 runs for the loss of five wickets with Will Young (107 off 113) and Tom Latham (118* off 104) scoring centuries. After that, as Pakistan were coming to chase a big target, Fakhar Zaman didn’t come to open the innings as Saud Shakeel was seen taking charge with Babar Azam. Notably, the ICC rules didn’t allow Fakhar to come as an opener despite being fit.
According to the rules by the ICC, if a fielder stays away from the field for a for more than eight minutes after the start of the innings, they have to face certain restrictions as a penalty. Notably, that player cannot came to bat until the innings have progressed for a time equal to their remaining penalty time. In Fakhar Zaman’s case, he was out of the field for around 30 minutes and can come to bat after the same amount of time is passed during Pakistan’s innings.
