PCB willing to jeopardize Saim Ayub’s career to play against India

Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is mulling Saim Ayub’s fitness for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. The opening batsman has been battling an ankle injury and the left-hander has been confirmed to have fractured his leg and has been advised to rest.

Saim Ayub suffered an ankle injury while trying to save the boundary during the second Test against South Africa. The batsman could not walk properly and was taken off the field on a cart, after which he was taken to England for scans.

Saim Ayub consulted a renowned doctor in England

Ayub consulted a renowned doctor in England who advised the batsman to take a break of 6 months. However, there has been speculation that with him rested, he will be ruled out of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. But the PCB is taking all possible steps to prepare him.

The source close to Saim Ayub said that even if the doctors do not declare him fit, PCB is willing to make him play the India match, which will be played on February 23. He said the governing body would give the batsman physiotherapy to get him fit.

The source posts an update to Saim Ayub

Speaking to PTI, he explained:

“Even if the doctors say that he will not have recovered from his injury in time for Pakistan’s first CT match against New Zealand on February 19 in Karachi, he could be fit for the India match, the selectors and the PCB are willing to take the risk.”

“Their findings are that Saim can recover from his injury through physiotherapy, medication and rest, but next week we will know how long the rehabilitation period they suggest.”

Saim Ayub is likely to be included in the Champions Trophy 2025 preliminary squad

Saim Ayub is likely to be included in the preliminary squad for Champions Trophy 2025. However, they will make the final call before the tournament. The PCB would hope that the batsman regains his full fitness and plays for the tournament team.

Saim Ayub has been one of Pakistan’s best batsmen in ODIs of late. He hit 2 tons in the three matches he played in South Africa and won the Player of the Match award. With him in top form, his absence will leave a huge void for the team in the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy if he misses out.

Geo News reports also provided the Pakistani team performance for the West Indies series. It is learned that Shaheen Afridi will not play the Test series while Naseem Shah is all set to be rested for the series.

Pakistan national cricket team is likely to go with the high spin attack. The announcement of the template is expected in a day or two. However, in what will be the biggest development, it is learned that Imam-ul-Haq will be back in the team for the series.

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