Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi has hinted at Saim Ayyub’s exclusion from the upcoming Champions Trophy, saying the board is determined not to rush the young player’s recovery process.
Pakistan is yet to unveil its 2025 ICC Champions Trophy squad, with the governing body saying on January 21 that it has entered the final stage of consultation in this regard for the mega event, scheduled to be held next month.
The PCB chief confirmed to the media on Sunday that the board has adopted a cautious approach in looking at the opener’s health and long-term career. “We cannot jeopardize Saim Ayoub’s career for the sake of the Champions Cup.”
It is expected that the cast will soon be removed from Ayoub’s foot, who was sidelined due to a broken ankle.
“The plaster on Saim Ayub’s foot will be removed within two days as he undergoes rehabilitation,” Naqvi said, checking on the progress in the left-handed batsman’s health.
The 22-year-old’s ongoing recovery will prevent him from participating in the mega tournament, as former Pakistan skipper Shahid Afridi recently suggested.
During an interview, Afridi spoke about his conversation with the young batsman.
He added: “I spoke with Saem Ayoub last night. He told me that he needs three weeks, and only after that will his rehabilitation begin.”
“I have advised him not to rush the process. Even the slightest injury, if not allowed to heal properly, can turn into a long-term problem. You are young and have a lot of cricket ahead of you, so take your time to recover.”
Recently, former Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi also confirmed that the young player will 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 spoke to Saim Ayoub last night. He told me he needs three weeks, and only after that will he start his rehabilitation.
“I have advised him not to rush the process. Even the slightest injury, if not allowed to heal properly, can turn into a long-term problem. You are young and have a lot of cricket ahead of you, so take your time to recover,” he added.
Since making his international debut in March 2023 against Afghanistan, Ayub has emerged as one of Pakistan’s most promising young players.
Three tons and half-centuries in just nine matches are part of his phenomenal ODI record. For scoring a double hundred in South Africa’s 3-0 win, Ayub was named Player of the Series by Pakistan.
Unfortunately, he fractured his right ankle on the first day of Cape Town’s Test match against the Proteas, temporarily halting his promising career.
He has been sidelined for six weeks with an injury that has ruled him out of Pakistan’s current home Test series against the West Indies as well as the upcoming tri-nation series against South Africa and New Zealand.
Due to the delay in his recovery, PCB has not announced his squad for the Champions Trophy while the rest of the competing teams have already announced their squads.
The Board of Directors is expected to reveal the team participating in the Tri-Nation Series and Champions Cup soon. According to media reports, the PCB is planning to announce the teams after the Test series between Pakistan and West Indies in Multan.
While the inclusion of young talent Ayoub is considered unlikely due to his ongoing injury, the names of Shan Masood and Imam-ul-Haq are being considered for final selection for the opening slot alongside Fakhar Zaman.
Ayub’s impressive performances in the 50-over format have earned him a place in the ICC ODI squad for 2024, where he has been named as an opening batsman alongside Rahmanullah Gurbaz, with Sri Lanka’s Sharith Asalanka as captain.
In addition, he was also nominated for the ICC Cricketer of the Year award, along with Kamindu Mendis of Sri Lanka, Shamar Joseph of West Indies, and Jos Atkinson of England.
The winner of the prestigious award is scheduled to be revealed later today.