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Pakistan's batting sensation Saim Ayub's availability in Champions Trophy 2025 is still unknown after his gruesome ankle injury. Saim Ayub underwent assessments with orthopedic surgeons in London on Saturday, January 11 to evaluate his ankle injury. He was examined by renowned specialists Dr. David Redfern and Dr. Lucky Jeyaseelan.
Saim Ayub's availability for Champions Trophy to cleared in a week
While the initial assessments are complete, it will take approximately a week to determine the full extent of the injury and assess Saim's availability for the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is eager to have Saim fit and available for their crucial match against India on February 23rd in Dubai.
“Even if the doctors say he will not have recovered from his injury in time for Pakistan’s opening CT game against New Zealand on February 19 in Karachi but he could be fit for the India game, the selectors and PCB are willing to take the risk,” the source told India told.
PCB wants see Saim Ayub recover in time for the Champions Trophy, particularly the highly anticipated match against India. Despite an initial prognosis of a six-week recovery period, Saim was sent to London for specialised consultations.
The PCB will receive comprehensive reports and recovery timelines from the specialists next week. However, initial examinations have ruled out the need for any surgical intervention, whether invasive or non-invasive.
“Their findings are that Saim can recover from his injury through physiotherapy, medication and rest but how long a rehab period they suggest will be known next week,” the source added.
To maintain flexibility, the PCB has included Saim Ayub in the preliminary squad for the Champions Trophy. The selection committee has until February 12th to finalize the 15-member squad, allowing for potential changes based on player fitness.
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Saim will remain in London for the coming week to determine the most suitable course of action for his rehabilitation. He will consult with the specialists to decide whether to undergo rehabilitation at the PCB's high-performance center in Lahore or continue his recovery in London, where he can potentially receive more specialised care.
Meanwhile, Pakistan announced their Saim Ayub-less squad for the two-Test series against West Indies which is scheduled to start from January 17.
Pakistan's T20I squad for Test series against West Indies
Shan Masood (captain), Saud Shakeel, Abrar Ahmed, Babar Azam, Imam-ul-Haq, Kamran Ghulam, Kashif Ali, Khurram Shahzad, Mohammad Ali, Mohammad Huraira, Mohammad Rizwan, Noman Ali, Rohail Nazir, Sajid Khan and Salman Ali Agha.
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