The Champions Trophy is back after eight long years, and so is an ICC event in Pakistan after nearly three decades. Expectations are high for the home team, especially since they are the defending champions. But Pakistan’s campaign has already hit a bump with the injury of Fakhar Zaman.
Fakhar, one of their most explosive batters, suffered an injury in the very first over of the tournament while trying to stop the ball. Though he returned to the field, he was visibly struggling. His movement was restricted, and his innings never really took off. Eventually, he was dismissed for 24 off 41 balls.
Now, the big question is—what if Fakhar Zaman gets ruled out of the tournament? Who steps in? Let’s take a look at three possible replacements who could bolster Pakistan’s Champions Trophy squad.
Read More: Fakhar Zaman Injured During Pak vs NZ Match
Haseebullah Khan
At just 21, Haseebullah Khan has been making waves in domestic cricket. He’s consistent, technically sound, and has already made his international debut in both ODIs and T20Is. Plus, he brings added value as a backup wicketkeeper, just in case something happens to Mohammad Rizwan.
His List A numbers are impressive:
📊 List A Career Stats
- Innings: 50
- Runs: 2,301
- Average: 51.13
- 100s/50s: 9/10
A List A average above 50 speaks volumes about his ability to convert starts into big scores. He’s also in red-hot form, having hit two fifties in his last two first-class matches, along with a fifty and a century in his last three List A games.
If Pakistan wants fresh energy and a fearless young batter at the top, Haseebullah is a strong option.
Abdullah Shafique
Not too long ago, Abdullah Shafique was part of Pakistan’s ODI plans. However, a disastrous tour of South Africa, where he registered three consecutive ducks, saw him drop out of the Champions Trophy squad.
But before that, he showed promise in Zimbabwe and Australia, scoring two half-centuries. His overall ODI record isn’t bad either:
📊 ODI Career Stats
- Innings: 21
- Runs: 612
- Average: 32.21
- 100s/50s: 1/6
While his ODI numbers are still a work in progress, his Test credentials are rock solid. He has already hit five centuries in red-ball cricket, proving that he has the temperament for big games.
Also, familiarity with the current team management could work in his favor. If the selectors decide to go for someone they’ve already invested in, Abdullah might get a recall.
Read More: Azhar Ali Calls Out the ‘Can’t Play Them’ Hype
Imam-ul-Haq
If Pakistan wants experience and stability at the top, there’s no better option than Imam-ul-Haq. He hasn’t played an ODI since the 2023 World Cup, but his numbers speak for themselves.
📊 ODI Career Stats
- Innings: 71
- Runs: 3,138
- Average: 48.27
- 100s/50s: 9/20
And when it comes to home conditions, Imam’s record is even better:
📊 ODIs in Pakistan
- Innings: 17
- Runs: 913
- Average: 57.06
- 100s/50s: 2/8
He also recently reminded everyone of his class with a 98-run knock against South Africa while playing for Pakistan Shaheens. Given his past performances and his experience in crunch situations, Imam is the most reliable choice if Fakhar is ruled out.
With the Champions Trophy being a short tournament, Pakistan cannot afford slow starts or experimentation that doesn’t pay off. If Fakhar Zaman is ruled out, Imam-ul-Haq looks like the safest and most logical choice. However, if the selectors want to inject some fresh energy, Haseebullah Khan might be an exciting wildcard pick.
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