Not Babar Azam! Fakhar Zaman set to retire after ICC Champions Trophy 2025

By CA Cricket Staff

Published - 26 Feb 2025, 02:48 PM | Updated - 26 Feb 2025, 04:57 PM

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Fakhar Zaman
Fakhar Zaman (Image Credits: X)

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Pakistan opener Fakhar Zaman is all set to retire from ODI cricket, and he is likely to make the announcement soon. Fakhar Zaman was ruled out of the ongoing ICC Champions Trophy 2025 after getting injured in the tournament opener against New Zealand in Karachi.

The left-handed batter has reportedly been discussing his decision to step away from the ODI cricket with his family and friends after suffering an oblique injury during the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 opener that the defending champions lost by 60 runs to New Zealand.

Fakhar Zaman set to retire from ODI cricket after Pakistan's ICC Champions Trophy 2025 exit

Notably, an oblique injury refers to a strain or tear in the oblique muscles that are part of the abdominal wall. Well, it is also being said that Fakhar only wants to focus on T20 cricket and would love to continue to represent Pakistan in T20I cricket going forward.

Read Also: Babar Azam openly declared 'minnow basher' as Danish Kaneria demands strict action from PCB

After being ruled out of the tournament, Fakhar posted, X: “New Zealand has advanced to the ICC Champions Trophy semi-finals after a crucial five-wicket win over Bangladesh in a Group A match. This victory also ended Pakistan’s campaign, knocking the defending champions out of the tournament in the group stage.”

Meanwhile, according to the Pakistan media outlets, Fakhar had already made plans that the ongoing ICC Champions Trophy 2025 would be his last ODI assignment. It is being said that the ongoing health issues, particularly hyperthyroidism, influenced Zaman’s decision to retire from ODI cricket.

Health concerns and overseas leagues force Fakhar Zaman to retire from ODIs

The doctors have advised the Pakistani opener to rest for about two and a half months due to his health concerns, and then Fakhar is not also happy with Pakistan’s selection policies, especially regarding No-Objection Certificates (NOCs) for playing in the overseas leagues.

So, these can be two major reasons behind his upcoming official call. The reports also claimed that Zaman is considering moving to another country with his family. He has a son named Zain. The PCB has not yet made an official statement about the reports of Zaman’s possible retirement from ODIs.

Notably, Fakhr has been a key player for Pakistan in ODI cricket, representing the country in 86 matches and amassing 3,651 runs at an impressive average of 46.21 in the format. His most iconic moment came in the 2017 Champions Trophy final, where he smashed a match-winning 114 against India, guiding Pakistan to a historic title triumph over their biggest rivals.

Read Also: PAK vs BAN Match Prediction: Who Will Win Match 9? ICC Champions Trophy 2025

Pakistan faces embarrasment in the ICC Champions Trophy

Meanwhile, Pakistan has been crashed out of the ongoing ICC Champions Trophy 2025 after their back-to-back defeats in the group stage against New Zealand and India. The Black Caps have advanced to the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 semi-finals after a crucial five-wicket win over Bangladesh in a Group A match.

New Zealand’s victory over Bangladesh ended Pakistan’s campaign, knocking the defending champions out of the tournament in the group stage. The Men in Green will play their final game against Bangladesh on February 27 at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium in Rawalpindi.

Tagged:

ICC Champions Trophy Pakistan National Cricket Team Fakhar Zaman Babar Azam
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