Lahore – In a positive development for Pakistan cricket fans, star opener Fakhar Zaman is close to regaining full fitness and is expected to make his return to the national squad soon. The left-handed opener, who has been out of action due to a hamstring injury sustained during the recent T20 series against the West Indies, is currently undergoing rehabilitation at the National Cricket Academy (NCA), Lahore.
According to insiders, his recovery is progressing well, and the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) medical staff is optimistic that Fakhar will be available for the upcoming triangular series and the Asia Cup 2025.
Fakhar Zaman’s Injury and Rehab Progress
Fakhar Zaman, known for his explosive batting at the top of the order, suffered a hamstring injury during the West Indies series. While such injuries often take several weeks to heal, the PCB’s medical team has confirmed that Fakhar’s condition is not serious.
At the NCA, Fakhar is undergoing a carefully designed rehabilitation program, which includes:
- Strengthening and flexibility exercises tailored to support hamstring recovery.
- Physiotherapy sessions supervised by experts.
- Light running drills to regain match fitness.
- Batting practice under medical supervision to monitor any strain.
The left-hander, who has been an integral part of Pakistan’s limited-overs setup, is keen to return to the playing XI as soon as possible. His presence at the top of the order is seen as crucial, especially given his experience in ICC tournaments and his ability to dominate opposition bowlers.
Why Fakhar Zaman’s Return Matters
Fakhar Zaman is more than just another opener for Pakistan. He is a match-winner whose aggressive stroke play often sets the tone for Pakistan’s innings. His memorable knocks include:
- A match-winning century in the 2017 Champions Trophy final against India, which etched his name in cricketing history.
- Multiple hundreds in both ODIs and T20Is, proving his ability to adapt across formats.
- A fearless approach against pace bowlers, which is vital in modern-day white-ball cricket.
With Pakistan preparing for two important tournaments — the triangular series and the Asia Cup 2025 — his return will add much-needed stability and firepower to the batting lineup.
Selection Committee’s Consultations Underway
While Fakhar continues his rehab, the Pakistan selection committee has already begun initial consultations regarding the squad.
Key Points from Selection Discussions:
- The selectors remain optimistic about Fakhar’s availability.
- Captain Salman Ali Agha is scheduled to hold a formal meeting with new head coach Mike Hesson to finalize the squad composition.
- The announcement of the squad is expected on Tuesday or Wednesday, giving selectors just enough time to monitor Fakhar’s recovery.
Sources suggest that the team balance will be a central theme in discussions, with focus on finding the right mix of experienced campaigners and young talent to tackle upcoming challenges.
Young Pacer Salman Mirza Confirmed in Squad
One confirmed inclusion in the squad is young fast bowler Salman Mirza, who has impressed selectors with his pace, swing, and ability to perform under pressure. His addition highlights Pakistan’s continued investment in developing new fast-bowling talent, a department in which the nation has historically excelled.
Salman’s recent performances in domestic cricket and his fitness levels have convinced the selection committee that he deserves a spot in the squad. His inclusion will not only provide depth but also options in different conditions.
Pakistan’s Preparations for the Triangular Series
The upcoming triangular series, involving strong international teams, will serve as a crucial testing ground ahead of the Asia Cup. For Pakistan, it is an opportunity to:
- Experiment with new combinations.
- Give youngsters like Salman Mirza exposure on the international stage.
- Assess senior players’ form, including Fakhar Zaman’s match readiness.
The series will also allow coach Mike Hesson and captain Salman Ali Agha to evaluate team strategies, including batting order flexibility, bowling attack rotations, and fielding unit efficiency.
Asia Cup 2025: A Bigger Challenge Awaits
Beyond the triangular series, the Asia Cup 2025 looms large as one of the year’s most significant cricketing events. Pakistan’s performance in the tournament will be closely watched, not just by fans but also by analysts, given its role as a dress rehearsal for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, which Pakistan will host.
The Asia Cup has historically been a fiercely contested event, with rivalries against India, Sri Lanka, and Bangladesh capturing global attention. For Pakistan to succeed, Fakhar Zaman’s aggressive starts could prove decisive, especially in matches against top-tier opposition.
Fakhar Zaman’s Career Highlights
To understand why there is so much anticipation around his return, it is worth revisiting some of Fakhar’s career achievements:
- ODI Records: Over 3,000 runs with multiple centuries and a double century — the first by any Pakistani in ODIs.
- T20I Contributions: Known for quick-fire starts in powerplays, giving Pakistan the momentum early.
- Fearless Mindset: Often thrives in high-pressure games, including matches against arch-rivals India.
- Global Recognition: Ranked among the top limited-overs batsmen in ICC rankings during peak form.
Such achievements underline why selectors and fans alike eagerly await his return.
Challenges for the Selection Committee
Despite optimism, the selectors face several challenges as they finalize the squad:
- Injury Concerns – Fakhar’s recovery must be closely monitored to avoid aggravating the injury before major tournaments.
- Team Balance – Ensuring the right mix of batsmen, all-rounders, and bowlers for both series.
- Emerging Talent vs. Experience – Striking the right balance between giving young players opportunities and relying on senior campaigners.
- Pitch Conditions – Selecting bowlers who can adapt to varying conditions expected in the triangular series and Asia Cup venues.
Coach Mike Hesson’s Role
With Mike Hesson at the helm as head coach, fans and analysts expect to see strategic changes in Pakistan’s approach. Hesson, known for his analytical mindset and success with teams like New Zealand, is likely to:
- Place emphasis on data-driven selection and match strategies.
- Encourage flexible batting orders based on match situations.
- Focus on fitness and fielding standards, areas where Pakistan has faced criticism in the past.
His partnership with captain Salman Ali Agha will be crucial in determining Pakistan’s performance in the months ahead.
Fans’ Anticipation and Social Media Buzz
The news of Fakhar Zaman’s potential return has already created a buzz on social media. Fans have flooded platforms like Twitter (X), Facebook, and Instagram with supportive messages, videos of Fakhar’s past performances, and hopeful predictions about his comeback.
Cricket analysts too have weighed in, with many emphasizing that a fully fit Fakhar Zaman could be the difference-maker for Pakistan in the Asia Cup and beyond.
Conclusion – A Critical Few Days Ahead
As Pakistan’s cricketing authorities gear up to announce the squad on Tuesday or Wednesday, the coming days will be decisive. If Fakhar Zaman clears his final rehab assessments, his return will boost not just the batting lineup but also the morale of the entire team.
With Salman Mirza’s confirmed inclusion and Mike Hesson’s new strategies in play, Pakistan’s cricketing journey in the triangular series and Asia Cup promises to be exciting. For now, fans, selectors, and players alike await the official squad announcement, with high hopes pinned on the left-handed opener’s timely return.
