Fakhar Zaman Ruled Out of West Indies Series: Pakistan Opener to Miss ODIs After Hamstring Injury | Latest Updates
Pakistan’s explosive opener Fakhar Zaman has been ruled out of the West Indies ODI series due to a hamstring injury. Get the latest updates on his condition, replacement, and impact on Pakistan’s lineup.
Fakhar Zaman Officially Ruled Out of West Indies Series
Pakistan’s star opener Fakhar Zaman has been ruled out of the remainder of the West Indies tour after sustaining a left hamstring strain during the second T20I in Lauderhill, Florida. The injury has forced him to miss the third T20I and the upcoming three-match ODI series, dealing a blow to Pakistan’s batting lineup ahead of crucial fixtures .
How Did the Injury Happen?
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Fakhar pulled up while chasing a ball in the outfield during the 19th over of West Indies’ innings in the 2nd T20I .
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Medical scans confirmed a mild hamstring strain, prompting the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) to withdraw him from the tour 57.
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He will return to Pakistan on August 4 and undergo rehabilitation at the National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Lahore .
Impact on Pakistan’s ODI Series
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Fakhar’s absence leaves a void at the top order, with Khushdil Shah replacing him in the T20I decider .
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The PCB has not yet named a replacement for the ODI squad, with potential candidates including Imam-ul-Haq or Sharjeel Khan 11.
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This is Fakhar’s second major injury in 2025, having previously missed the Champions Trophy due to an oblique strain .
Fakhar’s Performance Before the Injury
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Scored 28 and 20 in the first two T20Is but failed to convert starts.
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Struggled for form in recent months, averaging just 26.5 in his last 10 T20Is .
Pakistan’s Series Win Overshadowed by Injury
Despite Fakhar’s absence, Pakistan clinched the T20I series 2-1 after a 13-run win in the decider, powered by Sahibzada Farhan (74) and Saim Ayub (66) 311. However, his injury raises concerns ahead of the Asia Cup and T20 World Cup 2026 7.
What’s Next for Fakhar Zaman?
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Rehabilitation at NCA – Expected to take 2-3 weeks for recovery .
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Asia Cup 2025 Fitness Race – PCB hopes he regains full fitness before the tournament .
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Long-Term Concerns – At 35, recurring injuries could impact his career longevity .
Final Verdict
Fakhar Zaman’s hamstring injury is a setback for Pakistan, but the team has depth with Farhan, Ayub, and Rizwan stepping up. His return timeline remains uncertain, making his ODI replacement a key talking point.
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Sources: [ESPNcricinfo]1, [Arab News]5, [Dunya News]9, [CricTracker]11.
Last Updated: August 4, 2025.
