 "Champions Trophy 2025: PCB issues update on Pakistan batter Saim Ayub after being ruled out of tournament")
Injured Pakistan opener Saim Ayub will be available for the team’s tour of New Zealand in March only if he clears all fitness tests and medical requirements, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has said. Ayub, who sustained a fractured ankle on his right leg, has been ruled out of action for 10 weeks, which means he will miss the ongoing tri-series, involving South Africa and New Zealand, and the upcoming 2025 Champions Trophy .
Ayub sustained the injury during Pakistan’s away Test series in South Africa that concluded earlier this year. Having said that, Ayub is not entirely ruled out of Pakistan’s tour of New Zealand in March.
PCB’s latest update on Saim Ayub
“His availability for the New Zealand tour will be subject to clearing all fitness tests and medical requirements,” the PCB said in a statement on Friday. The Men in Green will play five T20Is and three ODIs against the Kiwis between 16 March and 5 April.
Ayub, who made his ODI debut in November last year, has scored 515 runs from nine matches at an average of 65.38. Ayub played crucial roles in Pakistan’s ODI series wins over Australia and South Africa, both away series. He had scored 41 runs from two innings in the Test series against Proteas before being ruled out.
“We understand how much he was looking forward to the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 and recognise how devastating it must be for him to miss a global event, especially when he is in such exceptional batting form. However, as a valuable asset to our team, we are committed to prioritising his long-term health over making any rushed decisions," Asad Shafiq, former cricketer and Pakistan national selection committee member, had said. Pakistan are in Group A for the Champions Trophy along with India, Bangladesh and New Zealand.
Impact Shorts
More ShortsPakistan host New Zealand in the tournament opener in Karachi on 19 February, before facing India in Dubai four days later. Pakistan and Bangladesh will then lock horns in Rawalpindi on 27 February.
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