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Rules Explained: Why Can't Fakhar Zaman Open For Pakistan Despite Being Fit

Abhinav Tyagi

Fakhar Zaman - (Source:@Hashir245/X.com)Fakhar Zaman - (Source:@Hashir245/X.com)

On February 19, the ninth edition of the Champions Trophy commenced in Pakistan as the hosts took on New Zealand at the National Bank Stadium in Karachi. The defending champions dealt an early blow after their star opener Fakhar Zaman left the field on the second ball of the match. 

Notably, on the 2nd ball, Zaman had a race with the ball to stop it from going to the boundary, while he won the race, he immediately sat down on the ground holding his knee and back. The fans were worried as Zaman returned to the side as Saim Ayub's replacement and is the only regular opener in the side.

ICC Rules Restricts Fakhar Zaman To Open Innings

While it looked like he suffered a big injury scare, Zaman shrugged off the concerns after he returned to the field. The fans saw a glimpse of him on the big screen when he actively persuaded Mohammad Rizwan to take a review that eventually went against Pakistan.

Nonetheless, Zaman looks fit, but Pakistan are set to deal with another blow as ICC rules would not permit him to open the innings. It is worth noting that ICC rules suggest that for a player to bat or bowl, they need to be present on the field for the same amount of time for which they went off the field. 

Now, in Zaman's case, he was out of the field for a long time and as per reports, Fakhar needs to be on the field till 6.26 PM local time, which is 6:56 pm IST to open the innings. However, it looks unlikely as Pakistan will bowl out their fifty overs before 6:26 pm local time.

In that situation, Zaman would have to bat at No.5, which is the most possible scenario presently. 

Here's What ICC Rules Have To Say Regarding Players Leaving And Entering The Field

5. Fielder absent or leaving the field

If a fielder fails to take the field with his side at the start of the match or at any later time, or leaves the field during a session of play,

(a) the umpire shall be informed of the reason for his absence.

(b) he shall not thereafter come on to the field during a session of play without the consent of the umpire. See 6 below. The umpire shall give such consent as soon as is practicable.

(c) if he is absent for 15 minutes or longer, he shall not be permitted to bowl thereafter, subject to (i), (ii) or (iii) below, until he has been on the field for at least that length of playing time for which he was absent.