Pakistan’s Saim Ayub has officially become the number one T20I all-rounder, according to the latest ICC rankings update. His outstanding bowling during the 2025 Asia Cup helped him surpass India’s Hardik Pandya in the all-rounder list.
Saim Ayub took eight wickets and scored 37 runs throughout the tournament. While the youngster is known for his aggressive batting, his bowling performances have given Pakistan a versatile player to strengthen the limited-overs team. Head coach Mike Hesson now has more options to build a balanced squad.
Pakistan’s team, often criticized for lacking balance, has benefited from Saim Ayub’s ability to play multiple roles. His all-round skills allow the team to adapt tactically in key matches.
Other players also saw significant changes in the T20I rankings after the Asia Cup. Opener Sahibzada Farhan jumped 11 places to reach 13th in batting rankings. Fakhar Zaman moved six spots to 60th, while Salman Ali Agha (62) and Mohammad Haris (79) also improved. Hasan Nawaz dropped three places to 61st.
In bowling rankings, Abrar Ahmed fell from the top five to seventh, while Sufiyan Muqeem (17) and Haris Rauf (33) declined. Shaheen Afridi surged 12 spots to 13th. Saim Ayub’s bowling ranking rose dramatically, climbing 51 places to 58th. Faheem Ashraf entered the top 100 at 93rd.
With the T20 World Cup approaching, Saim Ayub’s all-round performances could prove decisive for Pakistan. His rise to No.1 is not only a personal milestone but also a positive sign for the future of Pakistan cricket. The youngster’s ability to contribute with both bat and ball gives the team a new edge in international competitions.
Saim Ayub’s achievements highlight the importance of developing homegrown talent capable of performing in multiple roles at the highest level.
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