Fakhar Zaman’s Return to Cricket After Health Challenges

Fakhar Zaman, Pakistan’s cricket opener, recently revealed the reason behind his extended absence from international cricket. Diagnosed with hyperthyroidism, Zaman faced significant health challenges that affected his performance and fitness. As he gears up for a return in the upcoming Champions Trophy 2025, set to begin with a match against New Zealand on February 19 in Karachi, Zaman’s journey back to the field marks a significant milestone in his career.

During his battle with hyperthyroidism, Zaman experienced significant weight loss, shedding 10 kilograms, and suffered from muscle weakness. This condition necessitated a break from cricket, impacting his role in the national team. In a conversation with former cricketer Salman Butt on the Pakistan Cricket Board’s podcast, Zaman opened up about these personal health struggles, shedding light on the reasons behind his hiatus from the sport.

Despite these challenges, Fakhar Zaman actively participated in cricket prior to the Champions Trophy. He was part of a tri-series involving South Africa and New Zealand and also competed in the ILT20 league, where he demonstrated his skills by scoring 222 runs in nine matches. However, upon his return to international play, Zaman recorded two underwhelming performances, scoring 11 and 13 runs in consecutive innings.

Zaman has a history of excelling in critical matches, most notably scoring a century in the 2017 Champions Trophy final against India. His contributions have been pivotal to Pakistan’s successes in past tournaments, adding a layer of hope and expectation for his potential performance in the upcoming Champions Trophy.

The Pakistan team for the Champions Trophy 2025 is a strong lineup featuring prominent players like Mohammad Rizwan as the captain, with teammates such as Babar Azam and Shaheen Shah Afridi. As Zaman prepares to re-join the squad, his health and fitness will be closely monitored, given his recent health battles.

Fakhar Zaman’s return marks a new chapter, both for his personal career and for the Pakistan national team. With the Champions Trophy on the horizon, fans and teammates alike will be eager to see Zaman reclaim his form and contribute to Pakistan’s pursuit of cricketing glory.