Saim Ayub’s Expected Return Revealed By PCB Ahead Of Champions Trophy 2025

The 22-year-old Pakistan opening batter, Saim Ayub, suffered a freak ankle injury during the second New Year’s Test against South Africa at the Newlands in Cape Town. That concerned the fans and the selectors before the upcoming edition of the Champions Trophy 2025 at home.

Pakistan delayed their squad announcement for the eight-team moment as they were waiting for the opener’s fitness status. They remained hopeful of the batter getting through to January but with the fast approaching of the deadline, they declared their squad.

Saim Ayub’s dream run in ODIs

Saim Ayub made a cracking start to his international career, especially in the 50-over format. During the recent three-match ODI series against South Africa, the southpaw finished as the second leading run-getter of the series with the help of 235 runs in three innings at an average of 78.33 and a strike rate of 96.31, thanks to two centuries.

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Even during the three-match away series in Australia, Saim Ayub finished as the top run-getter with 125 runs at an average of 41.66 and a strike rate of 97.65. The left-handed opening batter dashed a half-century at the best score of 82.

Overall, the Karachi-born has smashed 515 runs in nine ODI innings at an average of 64.37 and a strike rate of 105.53, with the help of three centuries and one half-century at the best score of unbeaten 113 runs.

PCB gives fitness update on Saim Ayub

All the teams have to make any changes to the squad until February 11, but the latest update puts a definite end to all the speculations. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has released a fresh update on the opener’s fitness.

Ayub has been ruled out for ten weeks from the date of the incident (January 10). It confirms his absence from the eight-team tournament, but the player’s recovery has been ‘progressing well’ from his right ankle fracture, as the press release stated.

“Pakistan opener Saim Ayub is progressing well in his recovery from a right ankle fracture and will continue his rehabilitation in England.” The PCB statement revealed.

“Following comprehensive MRI scans, X-rays, and medical assessments, Saim has been ruled out for 10 weeks from the date of injury (3 January). His availability for the New Zealand tour will be subject to clearing all fitness tests and medical requirements.” The PCB states.

Saim Ayub’s possible return to happen on this date

Pakistan will be missing their opener so much, as they find themselves in a struggling position to find Fakhar Zaman’s opening partner. Zaman’s last international game came against England at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata during the 2023 ODI World Cup.

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The reports have claimed that Babar Azam could be opening the innings in Ayub’s absence. The team management of the Green Brigade can also look to promote Saud Shakeel to this position.

The PCB aims to see their young opener making a comeback during their upcoming trip to New Zealand before the PSL, but his presence in the series will depend on all fitness Tests and medical requirements.

In the New Zealand tour, five T20I and three ODIs will begin on March 18, and run until April 05 as the PSL is set to start on April 08.

Pakistan will start the tri-series against New Zealand before facing the same opponent in the Champions Trophy 2025 opener at the National Stadium in Karachi. Their next mouth-watering clash will be against India at the Dubai International Stadium before they face Bangladesh at the Rawalpindi Stadium.