Big blow to the national cricket team as star opening batter Fakhar Zaman suffered an injury and has been dropped from ICC Champions Trophy, reported 24NewsHD TV channel on Thursday.
Imam-ul-Haq has been included in the team in place of Fakhar Zaman.
Earlier, Fakhar Zaman, who had sustained injury in yesterday’s match against New Zealand at Karachi’s National Bank Stadium, was on Thursday declared unfit for the remaining matches of the ICC Champions Trophy.
Fakhar will not accompany the national team to Dubai where it will take on arch-rivals India on February 23.
The team management said that a new player would be included in the squad following an announcement by the ICC.
Zaman sprained a chest muscle while fielding at the start of Pakistan's game against New Zealand in Karachi on Wednesday, which the hosts lost by 60 runs.
He could not open the innings because of playing rules and instead batted at number four and made a laborious 41-ball 24, showing signs of discomfort.
Zaman has played 86 ODIs, averaging just over 46.
"I have been privileged enough to represent Pakistan multiple times with pride," he wrote on social media.
"Unfortunately I'm now out of ICC Champions Trophy 2025 but surely Allah is the best planner. Grateful for the opportunity.
"I will be backing our boys in green from home. This is only just the beginning, the comeback will be stronger than the setback."
Following Wednesday's defeat in the tournament opener, defending champions Pakistan now must beat India in Dubai in Group A on Sunday to keep alive their chances of reaching the semi-finals.
Bangladesh are the other team in Group A, while Australia, England, South Africa and Afghanistan comprise Group B in the 50-over tournament.
The top two teams from each group qualify for the last four.
Reporters: Wasim Ahmad and Muhammad Hammad