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As the countdown for the Champions Trophy 2025 intensifies, Pakistan is gearing up to host its first-ever ICC event on home soil in nearly three decades. This momentous occasion holds even greater significance for the country, as their last ICC title came during the 2017 Champions Trophy, when they triumphed in a thrilling final against India. Since then, Pakistan has worked tirelessly to build a new generation of players with the hope of adding another ICC trophy to their cabinet. However, just ahead of the much-anticipated tournament, the team has suffered a major setback in the form of an injury to their promising opening batter, Saim Ayub.
Saim Ayub set to miss out on Pakistan squad for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025?
Ayub has been a standout performer in recent months, showcasing his potential as a future star for Pakistan. His injury not only disrupts the team’s preparations but also leaves a gap in their opening batting lineup, which is crucial for setting a solid foundation in the fast-paced format of the Champions Trophy. With the tournament only months away, the injury adds to the pressure on Pakistan’s management to make quick adjustments, either by fast-tracking a replacement or reshuffling the existing squad. As the hosts look to mount a serious challenge for the title, this setback will undoubtedly test their depth and resolve as they aim for a successful campaign on home turf.
Saim Ayub’s injury setback has added a layer of uncertainty to Pakistan’s preparations for the Champions Trophy 2025. The promising young opener twisted his ankle while fielding in the first Test of the recently concluded series against South Africa, and the injury ruled him out for at least six months. In response, the Pakistan Cricket Board swiftly arranged for his treatment under the care of England’s top sports orthopedic specialists. Despite these efforts, Ayub’s inclusion in the Champions Trophy squad remains in doubt, as his recovery timeline is still unclear.
However, PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi recently provided an update on Ayub’s progress. While the final verdict on his fitness will depend on how he responds to treatment and rehabilitation, Naqvi’s comments have given fans and selectors hope that the 22-year-old might still make a recovery in time for the tournament. With the Champions Trophy just around the corner, Ayub’s potential return to the squad could be a game-changer for Pakistan, but much will depend on how quickly he can regain full fitness. As the countdown to the tournament intensifies, the team management will be keeping a close eye on his progress.
"Saim Ayub's leg cast will come off in 1-2 days. After that, he will enter the recovery phase, which will take time. I am in constant touch with the team regarding his condition. I don't want to put his future at risk because of one Champions Trophy,” said PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi.
Chairman PCB @MohsinnaqviC42 on #saimayub pic.twitter.com/dNIDd8Uwt2
— Sohail Imran (@sohailimrangeo) January 26, 2025
Unlike many of the other teams participating in the Champions Trophy 2025, Pakistan has yet to announce their squad for the tournament. While other nations have already named their preliminary squads, the Pakistan Cricket Board has taken a more cautious approach, with the deadline for the preliminary squad having passed on January 11. The final squad is expected to be submitted by February 11, and the anticipation surrounding Pakistan's squad selection continues to build.
In the coming week, the PCB is expected to unveil the names of the players who will represent Pakistan in the prestigious event, with some big decisions still to be made. One certainty, however, is that Mohammad Rizwan will lead the team, having recently been appointed as the new white-ball captain. Rizwan takes over from Shaheen Afridi, who had previously led the team in limited-overs cricket. The change in leadership has sparked considerable interest, as many wonder how Rizwan’s approach will differ from Afridi’s.
With the tournament just around the corner, the PCB’s selection committee faces the crucial task of balancing experience and youth, particularly with players like Saim Ayub still uncertain for the squad due to injury. As the countdown continues, all eyes will be on the final squad announcement and how Pakistan’s team will shape up for the competition.