Fakhar Zaman most searched Pakistani cricketer in 2017

Fakhar Zaman was an unknown name before the Champions Trophy 2017. There were not many expectations from Pakistan in the tournament but they surprised everyone by performing brilliantly. Pakistan beat one of the pre-tournament favorites India in the final to lift the trophy. Similarly, there were not many expectations from Zaman before the tournament.

Increase in popularity of Fakhar Zaman

Zaman is a very attacking batsman which makes him popular among the fans and his popularity hit the roof after the Champions Trophy. According to Google’s Year in Search 2017, Fakhar Zaman is the most searched cricketer in Pakistan in 2017. While overall he was the third most searched person in Pakistan which is an incredible achievement for someone who was relatively unknown before this year.

Zaman was one of the stars of the tournament as he provided quick starts to his team. When he made his ODI debut he scored a quickfire 31 vs South Africa. Critics argued that he is not suitable to play at this level but he put away the doubters by scoring a half-century in the do or die match vs Sri Lanka.

There was more to come from the left-handed batsman as he scored a brilliant half-century vs the hosts England as Pakistan chased England’s score easily to book a date with arch-rivals in the final. Zaman had done enough to silence his critics but there was more to come as he proved his true worth in the final where he scored 114 runs to put Pakistan in a good position to post a huge first innings score.

Owner of PSL team also in top 10

Javed Afridi, the owner of  Pakistan Super League (PSL) franchise Peshawar Zalmi is seventh on the list of most searched people in Pakistan. Afridi became popular with Pakistani fans when he announced that all foreigners of his franchise will play in the PSL final in Lahore.

The Champions Trophy was the most searched event in Pakistan which is quite obvious considering that they won the title for the first time in their history.