Key Points
- Saim Ayub says Pakistan will play good cricket during the ICC Champions Trophy
- Lauds grand opening ceremony of the ICC Champions Trophy
- Ayub was instrumental in series wins in Australia and South Africa
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan opening batter Saim Ayub has expressed good wishes for the Pakistan team, hoping that the host will show their best performance during the mega event.
In a statement, he said that the entire nation and fans should pray for Pakistan’s team during the ICC Champions Trophy. Saim Ayub said that all players of Pakistan’s team are in good form and will play good cricket during the ICC Champions Trophy.
Saim Ayub also appreciated the grand opening ceremony of the ICC Champions Trophy at Lahore. He hoped that he would also play in the newly inaugurated cricket ground in Lahore soon.
According to the International Cricket Council (ICC)’s website, Saim Ayub, who sustained a right ankle fracture during the Test series in South Africa, was ruled out for 10 weeks.
“Progressing well”
ICC said that the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has now shared an update on Ayub’s recovery, stating that the batter is “progressing well” during his rehabilitation in England.
While Saim Ayub will still miss Pakistan’s ICC Champions Trophy defence at home, he has not yet been ruled out of the white-ball tour of New Zealand in March, said the ICC.
Saim Ayub had been a major name missing in Pakistan’s squad for the upcoming major tournament.
The 22-year-old, who made his ODI debut last year, quickly solidified his place in the 50-over format, and was instrumental in series wins in Australia and South Africa. As Pakistan registered famous away series wins, Ayub amassed 515 runs at an average of 64.37 from nine innings.
However, an injury sustained while fielding in the deep led to Ayub being ruled out in the middle of the Test series against South Africa.
On his absence from the Champions Trophy squad, Pakistan’s national selection committee member Asad Shafiq had explained, “We understand how much he was looking forward to the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 and recognise how devastating it must be for him to miss a global event, especially when he is in such exceptional batting form.
“However, as a valuable asset to our team, we are committed to prioritising his long-term health over making any rushed decisions.”
