Can't risk Saim Ayub's career for Champions Trophy: PCB chairman

26 January, 2025

Pakistan are yet to reveal their ICC Champions Trophy 2025 squad, with the board saying on January 21 that it entered the final stage of consultation in this regard for the marquee event, set to be held next week.

The PCB chief confirmed to the media on Sunday that the board had adopted a cautious approach in viewing the opener’s long-term health and career. "We cannot put Saim Ayub’s career at risk for the Champions Trophy."

Soon, Ayub, who has been sidelined due to a fractured ankle, is anticipated to get the plaster taken off of his foot.

"The plaster on Saim Ayub's foot will be removed in a couple of days, as he is undergoing rehabilitation," Naqvi said, reassuring of progress on the left-handed batter’s health condition.

The 22-year-old batter's ongoing recuperation will prevent him from participating in the mega tournament, as suggested by former Pakistan skipper Shahid Afridi as well recently.

During an interview, Afridi opened up about his conversation with the young batsman.

"I talked to Saim Ayub last night. He told me that he needs three weeks, and only after that will his rehab begin," he mentioned.

"I advised him not to rush the process. Even the slightest injury, if not allowed to heal properly, can turn into a prolonged issue. You’re young and have a lot of cricket ahead of you, so take your time recovering."

Recently, former Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi also confirmed that the young batter would miss the upcoming tournament due to his ongoing recovery.

Speaking in an interview, Afridi revealed details of his conversation with the 22-year-old cricketer.

“I talked to Saim Ayub last night. He told me that he needs three weeks, and only after that will his rehab begin,” Afridi revealed.

“I advised him not to rush the process. Even the slightest injury, if not allowed to heal properly, can turn into a prolonged 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 emerged as one of Pakistan's most promising young players.

Three tons and a half-century in just nine games are part of his tremendous ODI record. For scoring two hundred in the 3-0 thumping of South Africa, Ayub was named Player of the Series from Pakistan.

Regrettably, he suffered a fractured right ankle on the first day of the Cape Town Test match against the Proteas, which temporarily halted his promising run.

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 as well as the forthcoming tri-nation series against South Africa and New Zealand.

Due to the delay in his recuperation, the PCB did not announce a squad for the Champions Trophy while the rest of the competing teams have already announced their squads.

The board is expected to reveal the team for the Tri-Nation Series and Champions Trophy soon. As per media reports, the PCB plans to announce the squads after the Test series between Pakistan and the West Indies in Multan.

While the inclusion of young talent Ayub is deemed unlikely due to his ongoing injury, the names of Shan Masood and Imam-ul-Haq are being considered for the final selection for the opening slot alongside Fakhar Zaman.

The unversed 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.

Additionally, 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 the prestigious award is scheduled to be unveiled later today.