On Sunday (January 26), Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Mohsin Naqvi presented an update on the recuperation of top Pakistani opener Saim Ayub.  

The left-handed hitter, who was named to the ICC Men's ODI Team of the Year 2024 on Friday, January 24, has been sidelined due to an ankle injury sustained during the second Test of Pakistan's two-match series against South Africa earlier in the month.

Saim is a doubtful starter for Pakistan in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, which is set to be played from February 19 to March 9 across three venues in Pakistan and one in Dubai.

Saim, who made his international debut for Pakistan on March 24, 2024, in a T20I against Afghanistan in Dubai, is currently in the United Kingdom recovering from the said ankle injury.

So far, the brilliant batter has appeared in eight Tests, nine One-Day Internationals, and 27 Twenty20 Internationals for the Men in Green.

According to Naqvi, he is in contact with the 22-year-old Saim Ayub on a daily basis to get updates about the rehab. The PCB chief also added that Saim’s recovery will take time, and he can’t risk the young batter’s future for the Champions Trophy.

“Saim Ayub is currently undergoing rehabilitation, and the cast on his foot will be removed in a day or two. I do not want to jeopardize his future by rushing his return for the Champions Trophy 2025. Saim Ayub is a valuable asset for us, and, God willing, he will recover soon," Naqvi said in a video.

PCB is yet to be named the Pakistan squad for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. The Men in Green will face New Zealand in the CT 2025 opener in Karachi on February 19, and after that, will face India in Dubai on February 23.