After a dominant victory over the West Indies in the first Test in Multan, Pakistan cricket received another boost. Star opener Saim Ayub, who injured his ankle during the first Test against South Africa, has avoided surgery. However, his exact return date remains uncertain. Saim injured himself while trying to stop a boundary and immediately underwent scans, which suggested at least six weeks of recovery.
Doctors in London confirmed that Saim’s injury can be treated with intensive rehabilitation instead of surgery. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is closely monitoring his recovery and plans to finalize the Champions Trophy squad next week based on his fitness.
Speculation about the Champions Trophy lineup has already begun. Reports suggest that Fakhar Zaman could return as the first-choice opener alongside Saim Ayub, provided the latter regains fitness. This may leave no room for Abdullah Shafique, who struggled for form throughout 2024. Shafique’s poor performances led to his exclusion from the Test squad during the South Africa tour and the home Test against the West Indies.
The rest of the squad is likely to remain unchanged, with core players like Babar Azam, Shaheen Afridi, and Mohammad Rizwan expected to lead Pakistan’s charge as they aim for their second Champions Trophy title.
The PCB’s decision on Saim Ayub’s inclusion will play a crucial role in shaping the team’s prospects for the tournament. Fans eagerly await updates on the final squad and hope for Saim’s swift recovery.
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