In the latest podcast with Goodbye Pasha on Samma TV's YouTube channel, forms Pakistan Captain Shahid Afridi he provided valuable insights into Pakistan cricket. Afridi shared an update on the bomb blast Saim Ayub's recovery and emphasized the importance of patience, player quality, and bench strength to improve long-term.
Shahid Afridi's highlights on Saim Ayub's presence
Afridi revealed that he reached out to Ayub to ask about his health and encourage him.
“Calm down, I talked to Saim last night. I called him to ask about his health. I was told that it would take three weeks for the restoration work to begin, and then the restoration work would begin,” Afridi explained.
Afridi stressed the need for Ayub to take enough time to fully recover, warning against rushing into the field prematurely. Acknowledging Ayub's recent form, Afridi admitted that the team will miss his contribution but reiterated that prioritizing health over his immediate cricketing ambitions is key to success.
“Son, you are still young, and there is a lot of cricket ahead of you. Come back completely first, and then all cricket will remain with you. You are such a smart player that no one can take your place. So give yourself enough time,” the 47-year-old advised.
🚨 SHAHID AFRIDI HAS DECLARED SAIM AYUB WILL MISS THE CHAMPIONS TROPHY
Afridi told Samaa News “I spoke to Saim Ayub last night, he told me that he needs three weeks and after that rehab will start. Pakistan will feel Saim's absence in CT 25 because we don't have backups ready” 🇵🇰💔💔 pic.twitter.com/aA5Orb8JCm
– Farid Khan (@_FaridKhan) January 16, 2025
Also READ: Pakistan's Fakhar Zaman has predicted his four players in Champions Trophy 2025
The importance of bench strength in cricket
The discussion shifted to a difficult discussion about the power of the Pakistan bench. Sawera highlighted the difficulties faced by the team due to injuries to key players such as Shaheen Afridi (2022) and Naseem Shah (2023) before the big game. Afridi agreed, saying that the source was not preparing for such an event.
“The reason was that your bench was not ready. Why didn't you prepare someone as Shaheen's backup? Why not to Babar?” The old captain said.
He emphasized the importance of preparing backups for key players so that the team does not perform well due to injuries. Afridi compared Pakistan's approach to other teams, highlighting how strong benches ensure continuity:
“It doesn't happen in other teams. Players may not be there, but there is always someone ready to fill their place and do the same. You have to make players like that,” Afridi finished.
Pakistan is awaiting the announcement of the squad as the Champions Trophy 2025 approaches
The ICC Champions Trophy 2025which will be held in Pakistan, is giving a lot of excitement as it marks the return of ICC's biggest event to the country. With Pakistan being the defending champion, the threats are higher than ever. However, the preparation of the team has caused a small problem because the announcement of the team has been delayed.
Among the major changes expected is the fitness of Ayub, who injured his knee during the second Test. South Africa. Ayub's recent achievements in cricket have been impressive, making him an integral part of Pakistan's plans for the tournament.
His absence could hamper Pakistan's strategy, although the management remains hopeful that he will recover before the tournament. Pakistan's memorable victory in Champions Trophy 2017 final against India in England it's a moment of national pride. As the tournament returns home, the team has a chance to build on its past achievements at home.