PCB Chief: Saim Ayub's Career Comes First Over Champions Trophy
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Synopsis
The PCB chairman, Mohsin Naqvi, has suggested that Saim Ayub may not be included in Pakistan's squad for the ICC Champions Trophy. He emphasized the board's commitment to Ayub's full recovery and cautioned against making hasty choices regarding the young batter's future.
Key Takeaways
- PCB prioritizes Saim Ayub's recovery.
- Champions Trophy squad announcement pending.
- Saim Ayub suffered an ankle fracture.
- Concerns raised about Pakistan's opening pair.
- Saim Ayub was in top form before injury.
Karachi, Jan 26 (NationPress) The chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), Mohsin Naqvi, indicated that opener Saim Ayub could potentially be left out of Pakistan's roster for the forthcoming ICC Champions Trophy. He stressed that the board is dedicated to ensuring the young batter's complete recovery and will not rush any decisions.
Pakistan has yet to unveil its squad for the Champions Trophy 2025. On January 21, the board mentioned that it had entered the concluding stage of discussions for the prestigious event, which is set to occur next month.
"We cannot jeopardize Saim Ayub’s career for the Champions Trophy. The cast on Saim Ayub's foot will be removed in a few days, as he is currently undergoing rehabilitation," Naqvi informed reporters on Sunday.
The 22-year-old player suffered an ankle fracture during the second Test against South Africa in Cape Town earlier this month. He, along with assistant coach Azhar Mahmood, traveled to London for treatment.
Recently, former Pakistan cricketer Rashid Latif expressed his worries concerning Pakistan's opening lineup with Ayub still in recovery.
“I am concerned about Saim Ayub’s injury, and with Abdullah Shafique also struggling with form, we find ourselves in a challenging situation,” he remarked.
Ayub was also recognized in the ICC's Men's ODI Team of the Year and had been in excellent form against South Africa, hitting two ODI centuries before his injury occurred.
Initially, Ayub was ruled out of competitive cricket for nearly six weeks, sidelining him from the two-Test series at home against the West Indies and the tri-series involving South Africa and New Zealand in February ahead of the Champions Trophy.
