Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi has indicated that Saim Ayub may be left out of the upcoming Champions Trophy, stating that the board is committed to not rushing the recovery process of the young batter.
Pakistan has yet to announce its ICC Champions Trophy 2025 squad, with the board stating on January 21 that it was in the final stage of consultations regarding the marquee event, which is set to be held next month.
The PCB chairman confirmed to the media on Sunday that the board had adopted a cautious approach in prioritizing the long-term health and career of the opener. “We cannot put Saim Ayub’s career at risk for the Champions Trophy.”
Ayub, who is recovering from a fractured ankle, is expected to have the plaster removed from his foot soon.
“The plaster on Saim Ayub’s foot will be removed in a couple of days as he is undergoing rehabilitation,” Naqvi said, assuring that progress is being made with the left-handed batter’s health.
The 22-year-old’s ongoing recovery will prevent him from participating in the prestigious tournament, as confirmed recently by former Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi.
Afridi opened up about his conversation with the young batter during an interview.
“I talked to Saim Ayub last night. He told me he needs three weeks, and only after that will his rehabilitation begin,” Afridi said.
“I advised him not to rush the process. Even the slightest injury, if not allowed to heal properly, can turn into a long-term issue. You’re young and have a lot of cricket ahead of you, so take your time recovering,” he added.
Since his March 2023 international debut against Afghanistan, Ayub has become one of Pakistan’s most promising young players.
He has scored three centuries and one half-century in just nine games, marking an impressive ODI record. Ayub was named Player of the Series from Pakistan after scoring two centuries in the 3-0 win against South Africa.
Unfortunately, he suffered a fractured right ankle during the first day of the Cape Town Test against South Africa, temporarily halting his rise.
He has been sidelined for six weeks due to the injury, which has ruled him out of Pakistan’s current home Test series against the West Indies and the upcoming tri-nation series against South Africa and New Zealand.
Due to delays in his recovery, the PCB has yet to announce the squad for the Champions Trophy, while other competing teams have already made their announcements.
The board is expected to reveal the squads for the Tri-Nation Series and Champions Trophy soon. According to media reports, the PCB plans to announce the squads after the Test series between Pakistan and the West Indies in Multan.
While Ayub’s inclusion seems unlikely due to his ongoing injury, Shan Masood and Imam-ul-Haq are being considered for the final selection for the opening slot alongside Fakhar Zaman.
Ayub’s impressive form in the 50-over format earned him a spot in the ICC ODI Team of the Year 2024, where he was named an opening batter alongside Rahmanullah Gurbaz, with Sri Lanka’s Charith Asalanka as the team captain.
He has also been nominated for the ICC Emerging Men’s Cricketer of the Year award, alongside Sri Lanka’s Kamindu Mendis, West Indies’ Shamar Joseph, and England’s Gus Atkinson.
The winner of this prestigious award is set to be unveiled later today.
