January 5, 2025

Saim Ayub’s Injury Raises Concerns for Pakistan Ahead of Champions Trophy

After twisting his ankle while attempting to chase down a ball in the field, Saim Ayub was helped off the pitch and did not return to play. A Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) update on the second day of the match stated: “Saim underwent X-rays and MRI tests this afternoon and the reports have been sent to specialists in London for further advice on the treatment and time away from competitive cricket.”

It was later confirmed that Ayub had suffered a fracture, with recovery expected to take up to six weeks. This timeline could see his return coinciding with the start of the Champions Trophy, which Pakistan will host. However, there has been no official confirmation regarding Ayub’s availability for selection during the tournament.

Should Ayub miss out on the Champions Trophy, it would present a significant challenge for the Pakistan team. Since his debut in November, Ayub has been in remarkable form in the 50-over format, scoring three centuries in nine matches and boasting an impressive average of 64.37. He was named Player of the Series in Pakistan’s 3-0 victory over South Africa and made a significant leap in the ICC rankings, moving from 70th to joint 23rd.

Ayub’s success at the top of the order had been a significant positive for Pakistan as they prepared for the Champions Trophy, a landmark tournament for the nation. After not playing an ODI for over a year following Pakistan’s fifth-place finish at the 2023 World Cup, Ayub stepped in to replace Fakhar Zaman as Abdullah Shafique’s opening partner. While Zaman has been a cornerstone of Pakistan’s ODI team since his debut in 2017, his form had been under scrutiny in the lead-up to the 2023 World Cup, with questions raised about his strike rate.

However, the main factor in Zaman’s omission from Pakistan’s return to ODI cricket was likely his public dispute with the PCB, stemming from a tweet he posted in support of Babar Azam after the latter was dropped from the Test side. Zaman also missed out on the PCB’s latest round of central contracts. Ayub’s immediate success as Fakhar’s replacement eased any concerns the PCB had about filling Zaman’s shoes in the opening position.

Yet, if Ayub cannot recover in time for the Champions Trophy, those concerns will resurface. The PCB will face a dilemma over whether to bring Zaman back into the fold, despite his recent struggles — he averaged just 28.33 in domestic List A cricket this season — or turn to another option. Other openers Pakistan has used in ODIs since 2020 include Abid Ali, Shan Masood (who last played the format in 2020 and 2023, respectively), and Imam-ul-Haq.

Imam, who was also excluded from the PCB’s central contracts, could emerge as a viable candidate after a solid List A season in Pakistan. He has also recently returned to the Shaheens, Pakistan’s ‘A’ side, for a warm-up match against the West Indies.

In any case, losing Ayub, who had quickly become one of Pakistan’s brightest young prospects, would be a major blow for the team. His rise to prominence had injected fresh hope into the squad, and his absence would leave a void in the top order at a critical juncture. With just under two months remaining before Pakistan hosts its first ICC tournament since the 1996 World Cup, the timing of his injury could not be worse. The Champions Trophy is a prestigious event, and Ayub’s form had made him a key player in Pakistan’s plans for the competition. His exclusion could force the team to make difficult decisions in the opening slot, impacting their preparation and overall balance heading into the tournament. The loss of such an exciting talent, so close to such a significant event, could significantly affect Pakistan’s chances on home soil.

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