Shahid Afridi gives FINAL update on Saim Ayub’s availability

The legendary Pakistani all-rounder Shahid Afridi has given a massive update Saim AyubAvailability for the next Champions Trophy. Ayub was injured during the Pakistan Test series against South Africa and since then, he has been sidelined.

His injury came at a wrong time as Pakistan was preparing for the Champions Trophy. Ayub was seen as a vital player for the host nation given their recent form. In no time, the youngster has made a name for himself as a key player for his team across all formats.

Read also: Rishabh Pant named Delhi captain for Ranji Trophy, Virat Kohli’s participation still uncertain

Saim Ayub to miss Champions Trophy 2025 – Shahid Afridi

While speaking on a podcast on Samaa News, Shahid Afridi confirmed that Saim Ayub will not be able to recover in time for Champions Trophy 2025. Afridi revealed the conversation with the youngster in which he asked for three more weeks before he could start his rehabilitation

“I spoke to Saim (Ayub) last night to ask about his health, so I called him. He said he needs 3 weeks and then he will start his rehabilitation. I advised him not to rush anything .” Afridi said.

“If you have a small problem and you start playing at that time, it can turn into a bigger one. So, I advised him to recover since he is very young and he will play a lot of cricket in the future,” he added. .

🚨 SHAHID AFRIDI CONFIRMS THAT SAIM AYUB WILL MISS THE CHAMPIONS TROPHY

Afridi told Samaa News “I spoke to Saim Ayub last night, he told me he needs 3 weeks and then his rehabilitation will start. Pakistan will feel Saim’s absence in CT 25 because we don’t have the backups ready ” 🇵🇰💔💔 pic.twitteR.corm/aA5ORb8JCm

— Farid Khan (@_FaridKhan) JanuaRy16,2025

“Pakistan will feel the absence of Saim Ayub” – Shahid Afridi

Shahid Afridi also termed Saim Ayub’s unavailability as a big loss to Pakistan ahead of a big tournament like the Champions Trophy. He believes the lack of strength on the bench will hurt Pakistan as they do not have a back for the youngster.

“The kind of form that Saim (Ayub) is in, Pakistan will feel his absence (in the Champions Trophy) because we don’t have the right backs ready. I always talk about the strength of the bench that we shouldn’t bother even if we don’t we do. have Shaheen (Afridi), Babar (Azam) or (Mohammad) Rizwan,” Afridi said.

“We have quite a few match winners in the team. So every player has to do their bit and play as a team to get Pakistan a win,” the all-rounder asserted.

Saim Ayub’s recent numbers in ODIs

Saim Ayub has had a fantastic start to his international career and is already seen as the future of Pakistan’s batting. While he has been impressive in all formats, his record in ODIs stands out the most, which is why he will be missed in the Champions Trophy.

Recently, he scored 235 runs in three ODIs against South Africa at an average of 78.33 and a strike rate of 96.31 to help Pakistan win a historic series on foreign soil. He also emerged as the second highest scorer in the series afterwards Heinrich Klaasen.