Pakistan star opener Saim Ayub who got an ankle fracture during the second Test match against South Africa will likely to be the part of Mohammad Rizwan-led side in the upcoming Champions Trophy 2025 scheduled to take place from February 19.
However, there are doubts over his participation in the eight-team ODI tournament citing his injury. Reportedly, a provisional squad list needs to be sent to the governing body within the next few days and the selectors have decided to name Ayub in it.
According to a report in PTI, Ayub's form in recent months and his improvement as an opener in ODIs has convinced the selectors he should be in the preliminary team despite his unfortunate injury.
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Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) are the hosts of the tournament and Pakistan who will enter as defending Champions will have a great opportunity to win the title again, with half the tournament being held at home.
“The selectors will keep him in the preliminary squad as the Pakistan Cricket Board has sent Saim to London to get the best medical opinion on his ankle injury in order to know if he can be fit in time for the Champions Trophy," a source close to the national selectors told PTI.
Ayub got injured during day 1 of the second Test match between South Africa and Pakistan and he has been advised six weeks for his rehab process and his foot had been placed in an ankle medical moon boot.
“PCB has to submit the final squad for the Champions Trophy without requiring any clearance from the Tournament technical committee by 12th February deadline," the source told PTI.
The source added that the selectors feel that even if Ayub isn't able to get fit in time for the Champions Trophy, he can be replaced by another player.
The selectors plan to recall Fakhar Zaman to the 15-member preliminary team as an opener with Ayub but if the latter isn't fit in time he might be replaced by either Abdullah Shafique or Imam ul Haq.
Pakistan will play the opener clash of the tournament where they will face New Zealand at the National Stadium in Karachi. India vs Pakistan match will take place in Dubai on February 23 in Dubai.