Karachi, February 7, 2025 – Pakistan’s young batting sensation, Saim Ayub, has officially been ruled out of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, dealing a significant blow to the team’s preparations for the mega event.
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) confirmed on Friday that Saim Ayub is still recovering from a right ankle fracture sustained during the Test series in South Africa, and his rehabilitation process requires more time.
Saim Ayub’s Recovery and Future Prospects
The PCB provided an update on Saim Ayub’s recovery, stating that the left-handed batter is making steady progress in rehabilitation at a medical facility in England. While he remains unavailable for the Champions Trophy, there is still hope for his potential return for Pakistan’s white-ball tour of New Zealand in March.
“His availability for the New Zealand tour will be subject to clearing all fitness tests and medical assessments,” the PCB’s statement read.
Pakistan is scheduled to play five T20Is and three ODIs in New Zealand between March 16 and April 5, and the team management is optimistic that Saim Ayub could regain full fitness in time for the series.
Saim Ayub’s Impact and Performance
The exclusion of Saim Ayub from the Champions Trophy squad is a significant setback for Pakistan, given his rapid rise as a crucial member of the national side. The 22-year-old made his ODI debut last year and quickly became a linchpin in Pakistan’s batting lineup, playing a pivotal role in historic away series victories in Australia and South Africa.
In just nine innings, Saim Ayub amassed 515 runs at an impressive average of 64.37, solidifying his reputation as a match-winner in the 50-over format. His ability to counter both pace and spin made him an integral part of Pakistan’s middle-order stability.
However, his injury occurred in unfortunate circumstances when he suffered an ankle fracture while fielding deep during the Test series against South Africa.
Selection Committee’s Statement on Saim Ayub’s Absence
Pakistan’s national selection committee member Asad Shafiq expressed his disappointment over Saim Ayub’s unavailability, acknowledging how much the young batter was looking forward to representing Pakistan in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025.
“We understand how much he was looking forward to the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 and recognize how devastating it must be for him to miss a global event, especially given his outstanding batting form,” Shafiq stated.
“However, as a valuable asset to our team, we are committed to prioritizing his long-term health over making any rushed decisions.”
Pakistan’s Champions Trophy Campaign Without Saim Ayub
Pakistan’s campaign in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 will now proceed without Saim Ayub, a player who was expected to be a key performer in home conditions. The team will have to adjust their batting order and explore alternative combinations to fill the void left by his absence.
With Pakistan aiming to defend their Champions Trophy title on home soil, the selectors now face the challenge of finding a replacement who can replicate Saim Ayub’s explosive batting and adaptability under pressure.