'Saim Ayub will not play CT 2025'

13 hours ago

'Saim Ayub will not play CT 2025'

'Saim Ayub is a valuable asset for Pakistan cricket'
'Saim Ayub will not play CT 2025'

Web desk

|

17 Jan 2025

Former Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi has confirmed that young batter Saim Ayub will miss the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 due to a sustained ankle injury.

Saim, who injured his ankle on the opening day of the Cape Town Test against South Africa, was initially ruled out for six weeks. He is currently undergoing treatment and further evaluation in London.

Afridi, in a recent conversation with Saim, shared details of the batter’s recovery. "I spoke to Saim Ayub last night. He mentioned that he needs three weeks before starting rehab. I advised him to take his time recovering because even a minor injury, if not fully healed, can lead to long-term issues. You're young and have a bright future ahead, so it's better to recover completely," Afridi explained.

The injury will rule Saim out of upcoming fixtures, including the two-match home Test series against the West Indies and the tri-nation series featuring New Zealand and South Africa. To ensure his recovery, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has sent Saim to London with assistant coach Azhar Mahmood for medical treatment.

"Saim Ayub is a valuable asset for Pakistan cricket," said PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi. "We are providing him with the best possible medical care and resources. I am praying for his swift recovery and will continue to monitor his progress closely," he added.

The PCB is awaiting an update on Saim’s fitness before finalizing the national squad for the Champions Trophy 2025, scheduled to take place from February 19 to March 9 in Pakistan.

Sources within the PCB have revealed that the board has decided not to announce a provisional squad for the tournament.

Instead, the final squad will be submitted directly to the International Cricket Council (ICC) once Saim's fitness status is confirmed.

The squad is expected to be finalized by February 11, after which it will be sent for ICC approval.

Saim Ayub, despite being in the early stages of his international career, has already impressed with his performances, showing great promise for Pakistan’s future cricketing endeavors.

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