ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s young left-handed opener, Saim Ayub, who is currently recovering from an ankle injury, shared his admiration for cricket legends and recalled a chance meeting with his childhood idol, Saeed Anwar.
In an interview with a private news channel, the 21-year-old batter was asked about the international cricketers who inspired him to pursue the sport. Saim said that his motivation primarily stemmed from watching the Pakistan national team play.
“I would often see the players carrying their Pakistan-branded kits and helmets, and I used to dream of the day I’d get to do the same,” he said.
While he did not single out one cricketer as his only inspiration, Saim mentioned that he admired a number of batting greats, including Pakistan’s own Saeed Anwar, as well as Brian Lara, Sachin Tendulkar, and Adam Gilchrist.
Reflecting on a personal encounter with Saeed Anwar, Saim said he had the opportunity to meet the legendary opener at a mosque.
“We didn’t talk about cricket at that time because I wasn’t playing for Pakistan yet, and he didn’t know me. But if I meet him again, I’d love to discuss the game with him,” he remarked.
Saim, who fractured his right ankle while fielding during Pakistan’s Test series against South Africa, has been ruled out of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025.
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) confirmed that the injury required a six-month recovery period.
He was sent to the United Kingdom for rehabilitation and has recently resumed light gym activities as part of his recovery process.
The PCB shared a video on Instagram over the weekend, showing Saim back in the gym, working on his fitness.
However, due to ongoing rehabilitation, both Saim and senior opener Fakhar Zaman have been excluded from Pakistan’s squad for the New Zealand tour.
