Champions Trophy: Saim Ayub to miss tournament, confirms PCB
What's the story
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has announced that opening batsman Saim Ayub will miss the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy due to an ankle injury.
The young cricketer is currently undergoing rehabilitation in England after suffering a right ankle fracture during the South Africa Tests.
Although he won't be playing in the Champions Trophy, Ayub is hopeful of joining the New Zealand tour if he passes all necessary medical examinations.
Injury specifics
Ayub's injury details and recovery progress
Ayub injured himself while fielding on the opening day of the Cape Town Test on January 10. He lost his balance while chasing a Ryan Rickelton delivery and twisted his ankle.
Meanwhile, after detailed MRI scans, X-rays, and medical assessments, doctors diagnosed a severe right ankle fracture that required a prolonged rehabilitation period.
PCB's media release stated, "Pakistan opener Saim Ayub is progressing well in his recovery from a right ankle fracture and will continue his rehabilitation in England."
Team composition
PCB's squad selection for Champions Trophy
In the wake of Ayub's injury, the PCB hasn't announced a direct replacement. They have, however, picked Faheem Ashraf and Khushdil Shah as their openers for the upcoming Champions Trophy.
Meanwhile, Fakhar Zaman is expected to open the innings for Pakistan in this tournament.
The board has also asked Babar Azam to take up opening duties alongside Fakhar, a proposal that Babar accepted recently.
Squad composition
Pakistan retain pace-heavy element for Champions Trophy
The Champions Trophy squad remains pace-heavy, a formula that has helped Pakistan win three back-to-back away ODI series in the past.
Shaheen Shah Afridi, Naseem Shah, Haris Rauf and Mohammad Hasnain all find a place in the final 15.
However, only one specialist spinner, Abrar Ahmed, has been picked. Neither Sufiyan Muqeem nor Shadab Khan have made it to this squad.
Career highlights
Ayub's performance and future prospects
Before his injury, Ayub was in phenomenal form, scoring two centuries in South Africa. He was also included in the ICC Men's ODI Team of the Year for 2024.
His recovery is being closely monitored ahead of the Pakistan Super League (PSL), which starts on April 8.
His absence from the Champions Trophy leaves Pakistan depending on Zaman to open with Azam or Saud Shakeel at the top order during the pre-tournament tri-series against New Zealand and South Africa.
Stats
A look at the opener's ODI and List A stats
In just nine ODIs Ayub has raced to 515 runs at an average of 64.37.
He also owns a strike rate of 105.53 alongside three tons and one fifty. Additionally, he also boasts a high score of 113*, which he smashed against Zimbabwe in 2024.
Meanwhile, across 44 List A matches, he has raced to 1,987 runs at an average of 46.20, and a strike rate of 106.37.
He has also registered seven tons and eight fifties.
Squad
Here is Pakistan's squad for the tournament
Squad: Mohammad Rizwan (c), Babar Azam, Fakhar Zaman, Kamran Ghulam, Saud Shakeel, Tayyab Tahir, Faheem Ashraf, Khushdil Shah, Salman Ali Agha (vc), Abrar Ahmed, Haris Rauf, Mohammad Hasnain, Naseem Shah, Shaheen Shah Afridi.
Twitter Post
X post by PCB giving an update about Ayub's injury
Update on Saim Ayub
— PCB Media (@TheRealPCBMedia) February 7, 2025
Details here ⤵️ https://t.co/cNlsYigWsb