Pakistan opener Saim Ayub’s participation in the Champions Trophy 2025 will be determined this week following further medical evaluations in London.
Saim injured his right ankle during the second Test against South Africa in Cape Town while attempting to stop a boundary. Post-series, he traveled to London for treatment with assistant coach Azhar Mahmood.
Orthopaedic experts Dr. David Redfern and Dr. Lucky Jayaseelan assessed Saim’s injury and found no major damage. However, the final decision awaits further medical reviews of his X-rays and reports.
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman will decide on Saim’s inclusion before the official squad announcement. Doctors have advised a six-month rest, making his selection unlikely. In his absence, Fakhar Zaman and Imam-ul-Haq could return to the lineup.
Meanwhile, PCB revealed the Test squad for the West Indies series with seven changes, resting Naseem Shah, Mohammad Abbas, and Shaheen Shah Afridi.
Between January 12 and February 11, the PCB can adjust the squad freely, but post-February 12, changes require ICC Technical Committee approval.
PCB is expected to submit a 15-player squad with reserves, and Saim Ayub’s inclusion will depend on his fitness results, possibly with a conditional selection.
