Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi has provided an update on Saim Ayub’s recovery, emphasizing a cautious approach to the young opener’s rehabilitation as he continues treatment in the UK.
The talented Saim Ayub will miss the 2025 Champions Trophy due to his ongoing recovery from a fractured ankle. Chairman Naqvi highlighted the PCB’s commitment to prioritizing Ayub’s long-term fitness over immediate participation, acknowledging his absence as a significant loss for Pakistan but stressing the importance of his complete recovery for a bright cricketing future.
Read more: Saim Ayub Excluded from South Africa Series
During a media briefing, Naqvi reiterated that while the Champions Trophy is a critical tournament, the board is unwilling to risk Ayub’s future by rushing him back into action prematurely. Ayub sustained the ankle injury during a Test against South Africa in Cape Town and has been sidelined for six weeks, ruling him out of key series, including Pakistan’s home Test matches against the West Indies and the upcoming Tri-Nation Series.
Pakistan has yet to announce its squad for the Champions Trophy, partly due to Ayub’s injury. While his return to international cricket this year seems doubtful, the PCB is carefully assessing his recovery to ensure a strong and lasting comeback.
For context, Saim Ayub’s stellar performances in ODIs earned him a spot as an opening batter in the ICC Team of the Year 2024, further solidifying his importance to Pakistan’s cricketing lineup.
