Doctors refuse to operate on Saim Ayub: reports

Pakistan's young opener Saim Ayub's inclusion in the Champions Trophy squad will be decided next week. 

According to reports, doctors have said that surgery is not needed, displaying confidence that Saim can recover fully with proper rehab. His selection will depend on doctors' advice.

The Selection Committee has already identified backup openers if Saim Ayub is not fully fit. Fakhr Zaman's inclusion in the squad is certain, while Imam-ul-Haq and Haseebullah are also being considered.

Saim injured his right ankle while fielding on the first day of the Cape Town Test against South Africa on January 7, ruling him out of the match. Doctors initially advised six weeks of rest.

Meanwhile, sources indicate that key players like Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan, Shaheen Afridi, and others are likely to be part of the squad. 

The final team announcement will be made after reviewing Saim's full medical reports and consulting with doctors. The squad must be finalized by February 11, according to international Cricket Council (ICC) rules.