Fakhar Zaman Likely to Regain Fitness Before Asia Cup in UAE

Pakistan’s star opener Fakhar Zaman is likely to recover from his recent hamstring injury just in time for the upcoming Asia Cup 2025, set to begin in the UAE on September 12. The left-handed batter picked up a minor strain during the second T20I against West Indies in Lauderhill, Florida, and was immediately sidelined from the third match and the entire ODI leg of the tour.

Injury and Rehabilitation:
Following the incident, Fakhar returned to Pakistan and is currently undergoing rehabilitation at the National Cricket Academy in Lahore. According to sources within the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), the injury is not serious, and Fakhar is expected to make a full recovery within 10 to 15 days, which would put him on course to rejoin the squad well ahead of their Asia Cup opener. Team Physio, Clint McKinnon, confirmed that Fakhar’s recovery is progressing as expected and that there are no major concerns.

Recovery Timeline:

• Injury Date: August 10, 2025 (during the 2nd T20I)

• Expected Recovery Time: 10 to 15 days

• Return Date: By August 25-30, just in time for Asia Cup

• Expected Role in Asia Cup: Opening batsman, possibly partnering with Saim Ayub or Mohammad Rizwan.

Team Management and Selectors:
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has been in close contact with Fakhar’s medical team and has expressed optimism about his timely recovery. Chief Selector Mohammad Wasim mentioned, “We are hopeful Fakhar will be fit for the Asia Cup, but we are also preparing backup options in case there are any setbacks. His experience is invaluable, and we want him fully fit for the tournament.”

While Fakhar’s absence was felt in the final T20I, the team management has been closely monitoring his progress. However, in case of any last-minute fitness concerns, Babar Azam could potentially make a return to the T20I squad, with selectors considering several contingency plans. The final squad announcement is expected to take place in the second week of August.

Recent Form Chart:

As shown in the recent form chart, Fakhar has been in solid form leading up to the injury, with consistently strong performances, especially in T20Is. His ability to accelerate the scoring rate at the top has been a crucial factor for Pakistan in recent months.

Timeline Widget:

Asia Cup 2025 Preparation:
The Asia Cup serves as a crucial platform for teams to finalize combinations ahead of the T20 World Cup next year. Pakistan, in particular, sees this tournament as an opportunity to stabilize its top order. Fakhar’s presence, with his aggressive batting style, could be key on the slow, spin-friendly UAE pitches.

If Fakhar is cleared by the medical staff, he will most likely resume his role at the top of the order, potentially pairing with Saim Ayub or Mohammad Rizwan. His form and fitness will be closely monitored in the final days leading up to the tournament.

For now, the cricketing world waits for Fakhar Zaman’s final fitness check as the official squad announcement approaches. With fans eagerly awaiting updates, all eyes are now on Fakhar’s progress, hoping for his full recovery to help Pakistan make a strong start in the Asia Cup 2025.

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