The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is mulling Saim Ayub's fitness for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. The opening batsman has been battling an ankle injury and the left-hander has been confirmed to have fractured his leg and has been advised to rest.
Saim Ayub suffered an ankle injury while trying to save the boundary during the second Test against South Africa. The batsman could not walk properly and was taken off the pitch on a cart, and was then taken to England for a scan.
Saim Ayub consulted a famous doctor in England
Ayub consulted a renowned doctor in England, who advised the batter to take a 6-month break. However, it was speculated that with his rest, he will be ruled out of ICC Champions Trophy 2025. But PCB is doing all possible steps to prepare him.
The source close to Saim Ayub said that even if the doctors do not declare him fit, the PCB is willing to have him play the India match, which will be played on February 23. He said the governing body will give the batter physiotherapy to get him fit.
Source sends an update on Saim Ayub
Speaking to PTI, he explained:
“Even though doctors say he has not recovered from the injury in time for Pakistan's opening match against New Zealand on February 19 in Karachi, he could be fit for the India match, the selectors and the PCB are willing to take the risk”.
“Their findings are that Saim can recover from the injury with physiotherapy, medication and rest, but how much rehab they suggest will be known next week.”
Saim Ayub is likely to be included in the Champions Trophy 2025 preliminary squad
Saim Ayub is likely to be included in the Champions Trophy 2025 preliminary squad. However, they will make the final call before the tournament. PCB would hope that the batsman regains his full fitness and plays for the team in the tournament.
Of late, Saim Ayub has been one of the best batsmen for Pakistan in ODIs. He hit 2 tons in the three games he played in South Africa and won the Player of the Match award. Being in red-hot form, his absence will leave a massive void for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 squad if he misses out.
Reports in Geo News also provided the developments about the Pakistan squad for the West Indies series. It has been learned that Shaheen Afridi will not play the Test series while Naseem Shah is all set to be rested for the series.
Pakistan National Cricket Team is likely to go with the strong attack. The team announcement is expected in a day or two. However, in what will be the biggest development, it is learned that Imam-ul-Haq will be back in the squad for the series.
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