Saim Ayub to miss Champions Trophy? Shahid Afridi has updates

Former Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi has confirmed that opener Saim Ayub will not play in the upcoming Champions Trophy as he recovers from an injury.

In a podcast interview with a private TV channel, Afridi revealed that he spoke to Saim over the phone to check on his condition. Saim shared, “I will need another three weeks to recover, after which my rehabilitation will begin.”

Afridi advised Saim, saying, “As a senior cricketer and elder brother, I advise you not to rush your recovery. Fully heal before returning to the team to avoid worsening the injury.”

Afridi expressed that Saim’s injury is a setback for Pakistan, "especially given his excellent form, but we lack a ready backup for him.” He added, “We need match-winning players, and I hope the team will perform well in the tournament.”

Saim Ayub was previously included in the preliminary squad for the Champions Trophy. However, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is still awaiting his medical reports before making a final decision about his participation.

With Saim’s absence, there is a strong chance that openers Fakhar Zaman and Imam-ul-Haq will return to the squad. Both players played crucial roles in Pakistan’s victories during the 2023 World Cup.

Saim Ayub sustained an ankle injury while fielding on the first day of the Cape Town Test against South Africa. The initial diagnosis recommended six weeks of rest.