Pakistan's star opener Saim Ayub is set to be ruled out of the entire Champions Trophy campaign. The fresh update came from Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi, who claimed that he cannot risk his career on the basis of just one tournament.
Ayub has been one of Pakistan's best performers in the last few months. The youngster played key roles at the highest level in various competitions during his team's historic victories in Australia and South Africa.
He was eagerly looking forward to the Champions Trophy campaign at home as Pakistan will aim to defend the title they won in 2017. However, his absence will severely hurt their chances as they will lack a quality opener.
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Mohsin Naqvi excludes Saim Ayoub from the Champions Cup
During a conversation with reporters, Mohsin Naqvi was asked about Saim Ayyub’s condition. The PCB boss was quick to admit that he is in regular contact with the young man and confirmed that Ayub is in the rehabilitation phase.
Naqvi said, “I am in touch with Saim (Ayub) on a daily basis. His rehabilitation process is currently underway and we hope that the cast will be removed within two days. After that, he will work on his recovery.” .
Speaking about the 22-year-old's recovery, Naqvi stressed that Ayub's future will not be jeopardized by just one tournament and he will be given full time to recover.
“It will take some time and I don't want to risk his future in order to win the Champions Cup. I am monitoring everything myself because he is one of our assets and we hope he recovers soon,” he added.
🚨 PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi talks about Saim Ayyub
Opener Saim Ayoub looks certain to be ruled out of the 2025 Champions Cup 🇵🇰💔 pic.twitter.com/a0MRGRnZDk
– Farid Khan (@_FaridKhan) January 26, 2025
How was Saim Ayoub injured?
Saim Ayub injured his right ankle while playing on the first morning of the second Test of the series between South Africa and Pakistan. Ayub went after the ball to third alongside Aamer Jamal. Jamal pulled the ball back while Ayoub was stationed there as a relay player.
However, he lost his balance and sprained his ankle. Ayoub was seen suffering from severe pain and lying on the ground. He was later seen wearing crutches, and an MRI confirmed that he had suffered a fracture.
He was immediately sent to London to receive further treatment alongside the team's assistant coach, Azhar Mahmood. After returning from London, he began his rehabilitation process with the aim of being fit before the Champions Trophy.
Saim Ayyub's latest ODI form
Saim Ayub has established himself as a star for Pakistan in all formats of the game. The left-hander was crucial in Pakistan's ODI series wins in Australia and South Africa. Ayub scored 125 runs in three matches at an average of 41.66 and a strike rate of 97.65 in the ODIs against Australia and emerged as the highest run-getter of the series.
The 22-year-old was at his best again during the ODI series against South Africa when he scored 235 runs in three matches at an average of 78.33 and a strike rate of 96.31 with two hundreds. He could have been Pakistan's trump card in the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy.
