Can Fakhar Zaman Open the Innings According to ICC Rules?

Amidst New Zealand’s commanding total of 320 in the opening game of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 in Karachi, a key talking point has emerged around Pakistan’s opener Fakhar Zaman, who was taken off the field due to an injury but later returned during the opening over of the match.

Fakhar’s return has raised questions about his eligibility to open the batting in Pakistan’s chase, given the ICC’s playing conditions regarding injured players.

Fakhar Zaman sustained an injury early in the match while attempting to stop a boundary. However, Fakhar made a surprising return later on, sparking speculation about whether he would be allowed to open the batting in Pakistan’s chase.

The Rules and Clarifications

According to ICC regulations, a player who leaves the field due to injury cannot bat higher than number five in the batting order unless they return to the field and spend the equivalent amount of time they were absent.

Sports journalist Danyal Rasool provided further clarification on the matter in a tweet:

• If Fakhar Zaman does not stay on the field until 6:26 PM local time, he will only be eligible to bat at number five or lower.
• However, if Fakhar remains on the field until 6:26 PM, he will be allowed to open the innings.

Given that New Zealand’s innings ended at 6:07 PM, Fakhar would not be allowed to open the innings for Pakistan in their chase of 320. Stay tuned for further updates as the action unfolds in Karachi.