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Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Moshin Naqvi on January 26 said that he does not want to risk putting 22-year-old Saim Ayub's future in jeopardy for one Champions Trophy. Naqvi revealed that he is overseeing Ayub's recover and the opener's cast will come off in one to two days.
"I am closely monitoring Saim's condition. He is currently undergoing rehab.His leg cast will come off in 1-2 days. After that, he will enter the recovery phase, which will take time. I don't want to put his future at risk because of one Champions Trophy. Saim Ayub is a valuable asset for us, and, God willing, he will recover soon," Naqvi told the reporters.
Ayub suffered an ankle injury when he slipped while chasing a bowler in the second Test against South Africa. He was ruled out of the Test and was taken for immediate medical attention.
Ayub has been stupendous form in ODIs. From nine ODIs, he has scored three centuries already and averages over 64. He scored two ODI centuries in South Africa proving his mettle on the international stage. Naqvi has already said that he wants best possible medical care for Ayub.
Pakistan only team to not announce Champions Trophy squad
Meanwhile, Pakistan are yet to announce their squad for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. The co-hosts are waiting on further update on Ayub's injury to make a call. They can name him in the squad subject to his fitness.
Other opening options
Other opening options for them are veteran batter Fakhar Zaman and Imam-ul-Haq. Also, Abdullah Shafique has not been in the best of forms of late. They also have an option of promoting Babar Azam as an opener.
Before the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, Pakistan will play New Zealand and South Africa in tri-series at home starting on February 8. The tri-series will end on February 14.
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