Fakhar Zaman was off the field for a long time due to an injury scare
Photo : AP
KEY HIGHLIGHTS
- Fakhar Zaman suffered an injury blow
- Fakhar returned to the field during the New Zealand innings
- Fakhar cannot open the batting for Pakistan
Despite returning to the field, Fakhar Zaman is unlikely to be allowed to open the batting for Pakistan in their opening match of the 2025 Champions Trophy (CT) clash against New Zealand at the National Stadium in Karachi in a major blow to the home team's chances.
For those unversed, the Men in Green were hit with a shock on the second ball of the tournament after Fakhar Zaman injured himself while trying to save a ball from going to the boundary. The Pakistan opening batter went off the ground in visible pain.
Why Fakhar Zaman Is Unlikely To Be Allowed To Open The Batting?
Although there was a major sense of relief around the Pakistan camp after Fakhar was spotted back on the field, he spent almost three hours away from the field. This means that he is unlikely to be allowed to open the batting for the Men in Green due to ICC rules on players leaving the field.
"The player shall not be permitted to bat in the match until his team’s batting innings has been in progress for the length of playing time that is equal to the unexpired Penalty time carried forward from the previous innings. However, once his side has lost five wickets in its batting innings, he may bat immediately. If any unexpired penalty time remains at the end of that batting innings, it is carried forward to the next and subsequent innings of the match," states Law 24.2.3.2 of ICC Champions Trophy 2025 playing conditions.
When Can Fakhar Zaman Walk Out To Bat?
As per ESPN Cricinfo, Fakhar will only be allowed to open the batting if Pakistan remains on the field till 6:56 local time (7:26 IST). New Zealand's innings ended at 6:07 PM Local Time (6:37 PM IST) which means the 34-year-old can that he can walk to bat 25 minutes after the start of Pakistan's innings. This essentially means Fakhar can walk out to bat after the loss of a wicket post 7:00 PM Local (7:30 PM IST).
This leaves Pakistan in a tough spot around their opening position as Fakhar is the lone specialist opening batter in their squad. The home team have promoted Babar Azam to open the batting. Saud Shakeel, the designated number three is opening with the former skipper. Shakeel departed for six meaning Rizwan had to walk out at number three. Fakhar ultimately was allowed to bat when the Pakistan captain departed for three runs.
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