Pakistan’s left-handed batter Fakhar Zaman has been ruled out of the ongoing T20I series and the upcoming ODI matches against the West Indies after suffering a hamstring injury during the second T20I. The injury occurred in the 19th over while Zaman was chasing a ball in the outfield.
Following an on-field assessment, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) confirmed that Zaman had sustained a mild strain. The team’s medical staff provided immediate treatment, but it was later decided that he would be sent back to Pakistan for further rehabilitation. He is scheduled to return on the evening of August 4 and will continue his recovery under the supervision of the PCB medical team at the National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Lahore.
Zaman’s absence is a significant blow to Pakistan’s white-ball squad. Known for his explosive starts in the top order, Zaman has been an instrumental figure in the T20 and ODI formats. However, his performance in the current series has been below expectations, registering scores of 28 and 20 in the first two T20 matches. Despite getting solid starts, he struggled to convert them into impactful innings.
This latest setback is not the first injury Zaman has encountered this year. Earlier, he was ruled out of the Champions Trophy after sustaining an oblique injury while attempting a cover drive during Pakistan’s opening match against New Zealand. His recurring fitness issues have raised concerns about the stability of Pakistan’s top-order lineup ahead of future international fixtures.
The T20I series between Pakistan and the West Indies began last week. Pakistan won the first match but narrowly lost the second, leveling the series 1-1. The absence of Zaman for the decisive third match could potentially impact the team’s strategy and balance.
Looking ahead, Pakistan is set to play a three-match ODI series against the West Indies, beginning on August 8 and concluding on August 12. All matches are scheduled to take place in Trinidad. With Zaman ruled out, team management will need to consider alternate options to fill the void at the top of the batting order.
His recovery timeline remains uncertain, but the PCB is expected to monitor his progress closely in Lahore. The board has emphasized that his rehabilitation will follow a structured medical plan to ensure a complete and safe return to competitive cricket.
As one of Pakistan’s most dynamic white-ball players, Zaman’s swift recovery will be crucial for the team’s future campaigns, especially with major tournaments on the horizon.
