Key Points
Pakistan team arrives in Dubai for high-stakes match against India
Rizwan-led squad seeks redemption after opening loss to New Zealand
Fakhar Zaman ruled out with injury, Imam-ul-Haq replaces him
Must-win encounter crucial for tournament qualification
The squad arrived alongside six Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) officials and chairman Mohsin Naqvi, who will oversee preparations for the blockbuster encounter between defending champions Pakistan and India. All of India's Champions Trophy matches will be played at the same venue.
After their arrival, the Pakistan team will rest before beginning training on Friday at the International Cricket Council (ICC) Cricket Academy for the crucial must-win encounter.
Earlier in the day, Pakistan were fined five percent of their match fee for maintaining a slow over-rate during their 60-run defeat against New Zealand in the tournament opener at the National Stadium in Karachi on Wednesday. The penalty was imposed after Mohammad Rizwan's side was found to be one over short of the required rate despite time allowances being considered.
"Pakistan have been fined 5 percent of their match fee for maintaining a slow over-rate against New Zealand in the opening match of the ICC Men's Champions Trophy 2025 on Wednesday," ICC said in a statement.
Earlier, Pakistan's opener Fakhar Zaman was ruled out of the tournament due to an oblique injury. The left-hander sustained the injury while fielding early in the second over of the game. The ICC approved Imam-ul-Haq as a replacement for the injured Zaman. Fakhar Zaman was the only player in the Pakistan squad who had played in the last edition of the Champions Trophy which was held in 2017.
Pakistan have to win the match against India on Sunday to maintain their chances of qualifying for the knock-out stage.
