Imam-ul-Haq’s Lucky Break: From Being a TV Panellist to Replacing Fakhar Zaman in Pakistan’s Champions Trophy 2025 Squad

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Just days ago, Imam-ul-Haq was analysing the Pakistan cricket team’s struggles on television. Now, he could be the man to rescue their Champions Trophy 2025 campaign.

The left-handed opener, who has not played international cricket since 2023, has been drafted into the squad as a replacement for the injured Fakhar Zaman. With Pakistan facing a do-or-die clash against India on February 23, Imam might go from the studio desk straight to the pitch in Dubai.

Fakhar Zaman’s Injury a Major Setback for Pakistan

Pakistan’s Champions Trophy defence took a serious hit when Fakhar Zaman was ruled out of the tournament with an oblique injury. The left-handed opener, who was Pakistan’s hero in the 2017 Champions Trophy final, sustained the injury in the opening game against New Zealand while fielding.

Chasing a cover drive from Will Young, Fakhar sprinted after the ball and immediately looked in discomfort after collecting it. He left the field for over two hours and was visibly struggling when he returned to bat at No. 4.

Despite painkillers and on-field medical attention, Fakhar managed only 24 runs off 41 balls, looking a shadow of his usual aggressive self. His absence leaves Pakistan’s top order vulnerable, especially given their recent struggles in white-ball cricket.

Imam-ul-Haq’s Unexpected Call-Up

With Fakhar ruled out, Pakistan turned to Imam-ul-Haq, a player who has been out of favour in international cricket but remains one of the country’s most technically solid openers. Imam, 28, has a stellar ODI record – scoring 3,138 runs in 72 matches at an average of 48.27, including nine centuries and 20 fifties. His ability to build innings and rotate strike could provide much-needed stability to Pakistan’s faltering top order.

However, what makes Imam’s inclusion all the more fascinating is that just on February 19, he was on television as a panellist on Geo News’ show 'Haarna Mana Hai’, discussing Pakistan’s loss to New Zealand.

Alongside former cricketers Shehzad and Imran Nazir, Imam shared his insights on what went wrong for Pakistan and what changes the team needed to make. Less than 24 hours later, he is now part of that very dressing room, preparing for a high-pressure match against India.

Imam’s return also reignites an old debate about Pakistan’s selection policies. He was dropped from the team in 2023 despite consistently performing in ODIs, and his exclusion was seen as part of Pakistan’s push towards a more aggressive approach with openers like Saim Ayub and Fakhar Zaman. But with injuries forcing Pakistan’s hand, Imam finds himself back in the mix when it matters most.

Pakistan’s Must-Win Clash Against India

Pakistan’s tournament is already in serious jeopardy after a 60-run defeat to New Zealand in their opener. Another loss would almost certainly mean elimination, making the India clash a virtual knockout match. Imam’s inclusion could be a crucial factor in ensuring Pakistan get off to a solid start with the bat.

If Imam does play on February 23 in Dubai, it will be his first international match since 2023 – and he will be thrown straight into one of the most high-pressure games in cricket. His ability to handle the occasion and provide Pakistan with a solid start could determine whether their title defence remains alive or comes to an early end.

For Imam, the past 48 hours have been surreal – from offering tactical analysis in a TV studio to potentially opening Pakistan’s batting against India in a must-win game. Now, the real test begins.