HOUSTON, United States: Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman, Mohsin Naqvi on Sunday shared updates regarding the fitness of cricketer Saim Ayub ahead of ICC Champions Trophy 2025.
Talking to reporters in Houston during his US visit, Naqvi said he is in contact with the batter on a daily basis to get updates about his rehabilitation.
“Saim Ayub is currently undergoing rehabilitation, and the cast on his foot will be removed in a day or two.” Mohsin Naqvi said Saim Ayub’s recovery will take time. “I do not want to jeopardize his future by rushing his return for the Champions Trophy 2025,” he noted.
Mohsin Naqvi said, “Saim Ayub’s leg cast will come off in 1-2 days. After that, he will enter the recovery phase, which will take time. I don’t want to put his future at risk because of one Champions Trophy.”pic.twitter.com/btACyvXToc
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The PCB chairman assured us that he would oversee every aspect of Saim’s rehabilitation. “Saim Ayub is a valuable asset for us, and, God willing, he will recover soon,” Naqvi concluded with optimism.
The left-handed batter is in Britain for rehab after an ankle injury. Ayub sustained a right ankle fracture while fielding on the opening day of the second cricket Test against South Africa at Newlands.
Saim Ayub, accompanied by assistant coach Azhar Mahmood, consulted renowned specialist Dr. Jeyaseelan, who reviewed his tests and reports. After the assessment, Ayub was told that the injury had stabilised, allowing him to put weight on the injured ankle with care.
Dr. Jeyaseelan has advised a six-month rest period for the left-handed batter for a full recovery. Further consultations with a panel of specialists in London will include further tests, such as X-rays, to finalise his treatment plan.
It is pertinent to mention that Saim Ayub, has made waves with his spectacular performances in 2024, scoring 109 off 113 balls against South Africa in Paarl and 101 off 94 balls in Johannesburg, earning him a spot on Wisden’s prestigious list of the top 10 ODI innings of the year twice.
In Wisden’s roundup of the top 10 ODI innings of 2024, Saim Ayub’s stunning century has proudly claimed the 4th and 8th position on the prestigious list.
The eight-team Champions Trophy will take place from February 19 to March 9, featuring 15 matches across Karachi, Lahore, and Rawalpindi, with Pakistan facing New Zealand in the opening match on February 19 and a highly anticipated encounter against India on February 23 in Dubai.
