We cannot risk Saim's career: Naqvi

Chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Mohsin Naqvi confirmed that the board is taking a cautious approach to the recovery of young batting sensation Saim Ayub, prioritising his long-term health and cricketing future over short-term commitments.

During a media interaction, Naqvi stated that the PCB is determined not to rush Ayub's recovery, even with the Champions Trophy approaching.

"Due to the Champions Trophy, we cannot risk Saim Ayub's career," Naqvi said, emphasising the importance of a careful rehabilitation process.

Ayub, who has been sidelined with a fractured ankle, is expected to have the plaster on his foot removed in the coming days.

"The plaster on Saim Ayub's foot will be removed in a day or two, and he is undergoing rehab," he said, reassuring fans of Ayub's progress.

Recently, former Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi also confirmed that the young batter would miss the upcoming tournament due to his ongoing recovery.

Speaking in an interview, Afridi revealed details of his conversation with the 22-year-old cricketer.

"I talked to Saim Ayub last night. He told me that he needs three weeks, and only after that will his rehab begin," Afridi revealed.

"I advised him not to rush the process. Even the slightest injury, if not allowed to heal properly, can turn into a prolonged issue. You're young and have a lot of cricket ahead of you, so take your time recovering," he added.

Ayub made his international debut against Afghanistan in March 2023 and has quickly established himself as one of Pakistan's most promising young players.

His impressive ODI record includes three centuries and a half-century in just nine matches. One of his most notable performances came in the 3-0 whitewash of South Africa, where Ayub was named Player of the Series after scoring two centuries.

Unfortunately, his promising run has been interrupted by the fractured right ankle he sustained on the opening day of the Cape Town Test against South Africa.

The injury has kept him out of action for six weeks, ruling him out of Pakistan's ongoing home Test series against the West Indies and the upcoming tri-nation series featuring New Zealand and South Africa.

This delay led to the PCB not announcing the squad for the upcoming mega event, while all the other seven participating teams had already announced their squads.

Now, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is expected to announce the national team squad for the highly anticipated Tri-Nation Series and the Champions Trophy 2025, both of which are set to take place next month.

According to media reports, the PCB plans to unveil the squads after the ongoing second Test match between Pakistan and the West Indies in Multan concludes.

While the inclusion of young talent Saim Ayub is deemed unlikely due to his ongoing injury, the names of Shan Masood and Imam-ul-Haq are also being considered for the final selection for the opening slot alongside Fakhar Zaman.

For the unversed, Ayub's impressive form in the 50-over format earned him a spot in the ICC ODI Team of the Year 2024, where he was named an opening batter alongside Rahmanullah Gurbaz, with Sri Lanka's Charith Asalanka as the team captain.

Additionally, Ayub has been nominated for the ICC Emerging Men's Cricketer of the Year award, alongside Sri Lanka's Kamindu Mendis, West Indies' Shamar Joseph and England's Gus Atkinson.

The winner of the prestigious award is set to be unveiled today.