Former national team captain Shahid Afridi confirmed that opener Saim Ayub will not play in the Champions Trophy.
In a podcast interview on a private TV channel, former captain Shahid Afridi revealed that he had spoken to Saim Ayub on the phone the previous day to check on his well-being, to which he said that it might take him another 3 weeks, after which his rehab would begin.
The former all-rounder said that as an older brother and a cricketer, I have advised him that if you have the slightest pain, do not rush into playing, take complete rest and return to the team so that the injury does not become more serious later.
He further said that the injury to Saim Ayub, who was playing in the form he was in, will definitely hurt Pakistan, but then again, we do not have his backup ready.
Shahid Afridi said that we have few match-winning players, which is why I mention having backups, but we can hope that the national team will perform brilliantly in the event.
Earlier, Saim Ayub's name was also sent to the preliminary squad for the Champions Trophy, while the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is still awaiting the young opener's medical reports so that a final decision can be made regarding his participation in the mega event.
On the other hand, in Saim's absence, there are bright prospects for the return of openers Fakhar Zaman and Imam-ul-Haq, both of whom played important roles in the Green Shirts' victories in several matches during the 2023 World Cup.
It should be noted that Saim Ayub twisted his right ankle while fielding on the first day of the Cape Town Test against South Africa. The doctor had initially prescribed six weeks of rest for Saim Ayub.
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