Pakistan's star opener Saim Ayub is all set to be ruled out of the entire Champions Trophy campaign. The new update came from Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Mohsin Naqvi, who claimed that he cannot risk his career on the basis of just one tournament.
Ayub has been one of the best performers for Pakistan in recent months. The youngster played key roles at the top of the top formats in his team's historic victories in Australia and South Africa.
He was looking forward to the Champions Trophy campaign at home where Pakistan will be looking to defend the title they won in 2017. However, his absence will hurt their chances badly as they will be without a quality opening batsman.
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Mohsin Naqvi rules out Saim Ayub from Champions Trophy
During a conversation with reporters, Mohsin Naqvi was asked about the status of Saim Ayub. The PCB chief was quick to admit that he has regular contact with the youngster and confirmed that Ayub is in the rehabilitation phase.
“I am in touch with Saim (Ayub) every day. His rehabilitation is currently going on and hopefully the plaster will be removed in a few days. After that, he will work on his recovery,” Naqvi said. .
Further talking about the 22-year-old's recovery, Naqvi confirmed that Ayub's future will not be at risk because of one tournament and he will be given full time to recover.
“It will take time and I don't want to risk his future because of a Champions Trophy. I am monitoring everything because he is our asset and we hope he gets well soon,” he added.
🚨 PCB CHAIRMAN MOHSIN NAQVI SPEAKS ABOUT SAIM AYUB
Opening batsman Saim Ayub looks definitely out of Champions Trophy 2025 🇵🇰💔 pic.twitter.com/a0MRGRnZDk
— Farid Khan (@_FaridKhan) January 26, 2025
How did Saim Ayub get injured?
Saim Ayub injured his right ankle while fielding on the first morning of the second Test of the series between South Africa and Pakistan. Ayub went for a ball at deep third alongside Aamer Jamal. Jamal pulled the ball back while Ayub was stationed there as a relay player.
However, he lost his balance and twisted his ankle. Ayub was seen in severe pain and was stretched from the ground. He was later seen on crutches and an MRI confirmed that he had suffered a fracture.
He was immediately sent to London for further treatment along with the team's assistant coach Azhar Mahmood. After returning from London, he began his rehabilitation process with the aim of being fit before the Champions Trophy.
Saim Ayub's recent ODI form
Saim Ayub has established himself as a star player for Pakistan in all formats of the game. The left-hander was crucial to Pakistan's ODI series wins in Australia and South Africa. Ayub scored 125 runs in three matches at an average of 41.66 and a strike rate of 97.65 in the ODIs against Australia and became the highest run-getter of the series.
The 22-year-old was again at his best during the ODI series against South Africa when he scored 235 runs in three matches at an average of 78.33 and a strike rate of 96.31 with two hundreds. He could have been the asset for Pakistan in ICC Champions Trophy 2025.