Injured Fakhar out of Champions Trophy Pakistan call up Imam

KARACHI, Pakistan - Pakistan opener Fakhar Zaman was ruled out of the Champions Trophy on Thursday with an abdominal muscle injury and Imam-ul-Haq has been called up as his replacement.

Fakhar hurt himself while chasing a ball during Wednesdays defeat by New Zealand and spent significant time off the field, which meant he could not open the innings.

Batting at number four instead, Fakhar looked in discomfort and made 24 as Pakistan folded for 260 in reply to New Zealands 320-5.

The tournaments event organising committee has approved left-handed opener Imam-ul-Haq as the replacement, the International Cricket Council said in a statement.

Pakistan must beat arch-rivals India in Sundays blockbuster in Dubai to keep their title defence alive in the eight-team tournament. REUTERS

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