PCB chief says Saim Ayub’s career can’t be risked for Champions Trophy

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Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Mohsin Naqvi has suggested that Saeem Ayub may not be included in the squad for the Champions Trophy, saying that the board hastened his recovery and damaged the young batsman’s career. Don’t want to risk it.

The PCB said on January 21 that it has reached the final round of consultations to finalize the squad for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, which is scheduled to take place next month, as Pakistan is yet to finalize its squad. Not announced.

The PCB chief confirmed to the media on Sunday that the board has taken a cautious approach keeping in mind the opener’s long-term health and career. We cannot risk Saim Ayub’s career for the Champions Trophy.

Soon, Ayub, who has been sidelined with a broken ankle, is expected to have the plaster cast off his foot.

“The plaster will be removed from Saim Ayub’s foot in a couple of days, as he is undergoing rehabilitation,” said Naqvi, assuring progress on the left-hander’s health condition.

The 22-year-old batsman’s ongoing recovery will rule him out of the mega tournament, as suggested by former Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi recently.

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

“I spoke to Saim Ayub last night, he told me that he needs three weeks, and only after that he will be able to start his rehabilitation,” he said.

“I advised him not to rush the process. Even a minor 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 batsman will be out of the upcoming tournament due to his ongoing recovery.

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

“I spoke to Saeem Ayub last night. He told me that he needs three weeks, and only then will his rehabilitation begin,” Afridi revealed.

“I advised her not to rush the process. Even a minor injury, if not allowed to heal properly, can turn into a long-term problem. You’re young and have a lot ahead of you. It’s cricket, so take your time to recover,” he added.

Since his international debut against Afghanistan in March 2023, Ayub has emerged as one of Pakistan’s most promising young players.

Three centuries and a half-century in just nine matches are part of his impressive ODI record. Ayub was adjudged Pakistan’s Player of the Series for their 3-0 win over South Africa.

Sadly, he suffered a fractured right ankle on the first day of the Cape Town Test match against the Proteas, which brought his promising run to a temporary halt.

He is out for six weeks with the injury, ruling him out of Pakistan’s current home Test series against the West Indies as well as the upcoming tri-series against South Africa and New Zealand.

Due to the delay in his recovery, the PCB has not announced the squad for the Champions Trophy while the other competing teams have already announced their squads.

The board is expected to announce the squad for the tri-nation series and the Champions Trophy soon. According to media reports, PCB plans to announce the squads after the Test series between Pakistan and West Indies in Multan.

While young talent Ayub is considered unlikely due to injury, along with Fakhar Zaman, the names of Shaan Masood and Imamul Haq are being considered for the final selection for the opening slot.

Ayub’s unwavering form in the 50-over format earned him a place in the ICC ODI squad for 2024, where he was named as the opening batsman alongside Rahmanullah Garbaz, with Sri Lanka’s Charith Asalanka captaining the side.

Additionally, he has been nominated for the ICC Emerging Men’s Cricketer of the Year award along with Sri Lanka’s Kamundu Mendes, West Indies’ Shamar Joseph and England’s Gus Atkinson.

The winner of the prestigious award will be unveiled later today.