Speculations have been rife surrounding the inclusion of Pakistani youngster Saim Ayub in the provisional squad for the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy 2025. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has decided to take a bold decision to include Saim Ayub in the provisional squad for the Champions Trophy.
The deadline for teams to submit their preliminary Champions Cup squads is January 12. All teams must submit their provisional 15-member squads by February 12, without needing to obtain technical committee approval. The International Cricket Council (ICC) will release the submitted squads only on February 13.
Pakistani selectors are considering including Saim Ayub in the preliminary squad
According to Geo News, Pakistan selectors are considering including Ayub in the preliminary squad for the Champions Trophy despite concerns over his injury. Ayub fractured his ankle during the second Test against South Africa. The left-handed batsman is currently receiving treatment for his injury in England.
Sime is expected to be out of action for up to six weeks. If he does not recover in time, the Pakistan Cricket Board can request a replacement player from the technical committee of the tournament. In case Ayub is unavailable, alternatives like Abdullah Shafiq or Imamul Haq are ready to take his place in the team.
Teams can make changes to their squads until February 11 without needing ICC approval. After this date, any changes will require mandatory approval from the ICC Technical Committee. PCB should have no problem finding a replacement for Saim in the Pakistan Champions Trophy squad if needed.
Saim Ayub's injury has dealt a blow to Pakistan's plans
Sime's injury has dealt a blow to Pakistan's plans for the upcoming Champions Trophy, with the young left-arm pacer becoming a promising addition to the team's starting XI. Selectors will monitor his recovery closely while keeping backup options ready.
Ayoub scored several centuries in the final innings, which strengthened his position in the team. Pakistan will next play a two-Test series against the West Indies and a tri-series with South Africa and New Zealand in February, leading up to the Champions Trophy, which begins on February 19 in Pakistan and Dubai.
Saim Ayub is a valuable asset to Pakistani cricket – Mohsin Naqvi
On the directions of PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi, Saim Ayyub was sent to London to receive specialist treatment for his ankle. Ayoub, accompanied by assistant coach Azhar Mahmood, traveled from Cape Town to London on January 7.
Dr. Muhammad Faisal, the High Commissioner in London, is supervising Ayoub’s medical treatment to ensure the best care. PCB Chairman Naqvi expressed his commitment to Ayub's recovery, recognizing him as a valuable asset to Pakistan cricket and hopeful for his quick return to the field.
“Saim Ayub is a valuable asset to Pakistan cricket and we are committed to providing him with all necessary resources for his recovery. We pray for his speedy return to the field,” Mohsin Naqvi emphasized.