Asia Cup 2025: Fakhar Zaman KILLS Babar Azam’s T20I comeback hopes

Pakistan’s experienced batter Fakhar Zaman is expected to be fit in time for the upcoming Asia Cup 2025, which is scheduled to take place in the UAE from September 9.

Fakhar Zaman recently suffered a hamstring injury during the second T20I against the West Indies in Lauderhill, which forced him to miss the third and final match as well as the ongoing three-match ODI series.

Fakhar Zaman set to regain fitness ahead of Asia Cup 2025

However, the left-handed batter’s injury is believed to be minor and should not keep him out for a long time. Zaman is currently travelling back to Pakistan from the United States via Dubai.

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It is also being said that the Pakistan batter could resume training within 10 to 15 days, giving him sufficient time to prepare for the upcoming Asia Cup 2025. With this, Babar Azam's hopes for a T20I comeback have been shattered as the PCB was considering him as a replacement for Fakhar Zaman.

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As reported by A Sports, the source said, “He (Fakhar Zaman) is currently in Dubai on his way back home from the United States and is expected to arrive tonight. I spoke to him personally, and he told me that it’s a minor injury and it will take him just 10 to 15 days to recover.”

This is Fakhar’s second injury setback of the year. Earlier, the Pakistan opener was sidelined from the high-profile ICC Championship Trophy 2025 clash against India after suffering an oblique muscle tear during the white-ball series against New Zealand.

Fakhar Zaman struggled on the West Indies tour

Despite these setbacks, Fakhar Zaman remains a crucial figure in Pakistan’s batting lineup because of his aggressive stroke play at the top of the order.

In the recent T20I series against the West Indies in Florida, Fakhar chipped in with handy contributions of 28 runs off 24 balls in the first game and 20 off 19 balls in the second match. He suffered the latest injury while fielding and was ruled out of the rest of the Caribbean tour.

Despite his absence for the T20I series decider, Pakistan managed to secure a hard-fought 13-run victory to clinch the series 2-1. Well, if his recovery goes as planned, Fakhar will return just in time to boost Pakistan’s batting strength for the Asia Cup 2025.

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PCB set to announce squad for Tri-Nation Series and Asia Cup 2025 this week

Meanwhile, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is gearing up to announce its squad for the upcoming T20I tri-nation series and the Asia Cup 2025, with a few important decisions still being finalized.

Before heading into the Asia Cup 2025, Pakistan will play a tri-nation T20I series in Sharjah against Afghanistan and the UAE. This series will be a key opportunity for the Men in Green to test combinations, assess form, and fine-tune strategies ahead of the continental event.

In the upcoming Asia Cup, Pakistan has been placed in Pool A along with India, Oman, and hosts UAE. Selectors are carefully considering all options to ensure the team is fully prepared for the highly anticipated match against India.

While the PCB is keen on giving more chances to young and emerging players, they are also considering recalling senior names like Babar Azam for the event. The official squad announcement is expected in the second week of August.