Could Saim Ayub’s injury lead to Fakhar Zaman’s return?

Prior to this injury, Saim Ayub had been Pakistan's first choice opener across all formats.


News Desk January 04, 2025

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Pakistan’s opening batter Saim Ayub’s recent injury has created an opportunity for the return of opener Fakhar Zaman to the national team.

In a match in Cape Town, while chasing a ball towards the short third man boundary, Ayub twisted his right ankle, resulting in an injury that will keep him out of action for six weeks.

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) confirmed that Ayub’s MRI results showed a fracture, ruling him out of international cricket for the near future.

This injury not only impacts Ayub's personal progress but also opens the door for Fakhar Zaman’s comeback.

Prior to this injury, Saim Ayub had been Pakistan's first choice opener across all formats, but now, with his future participation in upcoming tournaments like the Champions Trophy.

Fakhar Zaman could fill the void. Ayub's injury comes at a time when Abdullah Shafique is already out of the squad due to poor form.

Fakhar Zaman, one of Pakistan’s most successful openers in recent history, boasts 3,492 runs from 82 ODI matches at an average of 46.45, with 11 centuries and 16 half-centuries.

His return to the squad could strengthen Pakistan's top order ahead of important upcoming fixtures. However, the pressure will also be on Fakhar to deliver a strong performance to retain his place in the team.

In October, Fakhar Zaman sparked controversy with a post supporting Babar Azam's exclusion from Pakistan's Test squad. Fakhar expressed disappointment on his official X (formerly Twitter) account after Babar's omission, following a series of poor performances.

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) responded by issuing Fakhar a show-cause notice and removing him from the central contracts list. PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi confirmed Fakhar’s exclusion was due to both fitness issues and his controversial comments, though the primary reason was his failure to pass a fitness test. The social media post, criticizing the selection committee's decision, added to the controversy, but fitness was the main concern.

Fakhar was also excluded from tours to Australia, Zimbabwe, and South Africa. While the PCB cited fitness, there was speculation that his support for Babar was a factor. In a later interview, Fakhar clarified that he never intended to criticize the PCB, admitting the post may have been poorly timed, but insisting the criticism was directed at the selection decision, not the board.

Meanwhile, Imam-ul-Haq is also in contention for a return, having posted strong domestic performances, including 212 runs at 53.00 in the Champions One-Day Cup and 256 runs at 36.67 in the Champions T20.

On the other hand, Pakistan's opening batter, Saim Ayub, will miss up to six weeks of competitive cricket after fracturing his right ankle during the second Test against South Africa at Newlands on Friday.

The 22-year-old sustained the injury in the seventh over of the match’s opening day while fielding in the deep third-man region alongside teammate Aamir Jamal.

Ayub lost his balance, stumbled backward, and twisted his ankle while attempting a relay fielding effort.

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