He is still recovering from an ankle injury he got in January and might miss the white-ball tour of New Zealand after the Champions Trophy Saim Ayub.
Pakistan opener Saim Ayub will be out for at least five more weeks due to an ankle injury he suffered in South Africa in January. This means he will miss the Champions Trophy, which ends on March 9, and his participation in Pakistan’s white-ball series in New Zealand is still uncertain.
According to the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), Ayub is recovering well from his right ankle fracture. He is currently in England, where he will continue his rehabilitation. He was initially ruled out for 10 weeks after injuring himself while fielding in the second Test against South Africa in Cape Town five weeks ago.
Ayub had to be carried off the field in the seventh over after an injury. Ryan Rickelton edged a shot through the slips, and Ayub ran towards deep third along with Aamer Jamal. As Jamal pulled the ball back, Ayub prepared to throw it but lost his balance and twisted his ankle. He fell to the ground in pain, holding his lower leg as the physio quickly ran to help him.
Ayub received treatment off the field for a long time but couldn’t put any weight on his right ankle. He looked in pain and was in tears as he was carried off on a stretcher. Later, he was seen on crutches in the medical booth.
The PCB first said he would be out for six weeks, giving hope he might play in the Champions Trophy, which Pakistan is hosting. But last week, the board announced the squad, and Ayub was not included.
A week after the Champions Trophy final, Pakistan will tour New Zealand for eight white-ball matches—five T20Is and three ODIs—from March 16 to April 5. The Pakistan Super League will begin on April 8.
Pakistan opener Saim Ayub will miss the 2025 Champions Trophy, confirms PCB.
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) confirmed that Ayub is recovering well from his right ankle fracture and is continuing his rehabilitation in England.
Pakistan opener Saim Ayub will be out for at least five more weeks due to an ankle injury he suffered in January during the South Africa tour. This means he will miss the entire ICC Men’s Champions Trophy, which ends on March 9. His availability for Pakistan’s white-ball series against New Zealand in March and April is still uncertain.
PCB Confirms Ayub’s Absence
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has confirmed that Ayub is recovering well from his right ankle fracture. He is currently undergoing rehabilitation in England. Ayub sustained the injury while fielding in the second Test against South Africa in Cape Town. His recovery is expected to take around 10 weeks from the date of the injury.
During the seventh over of the match, Ayub injured his ankle while chasing a ball edged by Ryan Rickelton. As he tried to throw the ball back, he lost balance, twisted his ankle, and fell in pain. Despite receiving treatment, he couldn’t stand on his injured foot and had to be stretchered off. Later, he was seen using crutches.
The PCB initially hoped he would recover in six weeks, but he was left out of Pakistan’s Champions Trophy 2025 squad. After the tournament, Pakistan will tour New Zealand for five T20Is and three ODIs from March 16 to April 5. Ayub’s availability for this tour is uncertain, and the Pakistan Super League begins on April 8.
The International Cricket Council (ICC) has released the official song for the ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025, titled Jeeto Baazi Khel Ke, sung by Atif Aslam. With only 12 days left for the tournament, the song adds to the excitement. The 15-match event will be held from February 19 to March 9 in Pakistan and the UAE.