Pakistan’s Champions Trophy campaign suffered an early scare as Fakhar Zaman walked off the field just two deliveries into their opening match against New Zealand in Karachi.
While the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) later stated he was being assessed for a “muscular sprain,” details on the extent of his injury remain unclear.
The incident occurred when New Zealand’s Will Young drove Shaheen Afridi through the covers, prompting Zaman to chase the ball down near the boundary.
While he successfully flicked it back to Babar Azam, he immediately showed signs of discomfort in his lower back. The left-hander signaled for a replacement and walked off with the physio, though unaided.
He eventually returned to the field after New Zealand lost their second wicket in the ninth over, but Pakistan’s medical staff are continuing to monitor his condition.
“Fakhar Zaman is being assessed and examined for a muscular sprain and further updates will be provided in due course,” the PCB said in a statement.
Zaman’s possible injury is an unwelcome concern for Pakistan, who recently lost Saim Ayub under similar circumstances.
Ayub, originally set to play in this tournament, suffered a serious ankle fracture while attempting to save a boundary in a Test against South Africa. The setback ruled him out until at least mid-March, forcing Pakistan to bring Zaman back into their ODI plans.
The left-hander responded with impressive performances, scoring 84 off 69 and 41 off 28 in his first two games back.
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