Former Pakistan cricket captain Shahid Afridi has confirmed that opening batsman Saim Ayub will not be participating in the upcoming Champions Trophy.
Speaking during a podcast interview on a private TV channel, Afridi revealed that he recently spoke to Saim Ayub over the phone to check on his well-being.
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During the conversation, Ayub shared that he would need at least three more weeks to recover, after which his rehabilitation process would begin.
Afridi advised the young cricketer not to rush his recovery and to return to the team only when he is fully fit, warning that playing with even slight pain could worsen his injury.
The former all-rounder acknowledged that Ayub’s injury is a setback for Pakistan, as the opener was in excellent form. However, he highlighted the lack of a proper backup for players like him in the team, a recurring issue for Pakistan cricket.
Afridi expressed hope that despite Ayub’s absence, the national team would perform well in the tournament. Meanwhile, with Saim ruled out, the chances of Fakhar Zaman and Imam-ul-Haq returning as openers have increased. Both players had played pivotal roles in Pakistan’s victories during the 2023 World Cup.
Saim sustained his injury while fielding during the first day of the Cape Town Test against South Africa, where he twisted his right ankle. Doctors initially recommended six weeks of rest for the opener.