ICC Champions Trophy 2025: PCB ready to jeopardize Saim Ayub’s career to play him against India

Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is mulling over the fitness of Saim Ayub for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. The opening batter has been battling an ankle injury, and it has been confirmed that the left-hander has fractured his leg and has been advised to rest.

Saim Ayub suffered an ankle injury while attempting to save the boundary during the second Test against South Africa. The batter couldn't walk properly and was taken off the field on a cart, and following that, 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 batter to take a rest of 6 months. However, it was speculated that with him being rested, he will be ruled out of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. But the PCB is taking every step possible to make him ready.

The source close to Saim Ayub said that even if doctors don't declare him fit, PCB is willing to make him play the India match, which will be played on 23rd February. He said that the governing body would be giving the batter physiotherapy to make him fit.

Source drops update on Saim Ayub

Speaking to the PTI, he explained:

"Even if the doctors say he will not have recovered from his injury in time for Pakistan's opening CT game against New Zealand on February 19 in Karachi he could be fit for the India game, the selectors and PCB are willing to take the risk,"

"Their findings are that Saim can recover from his injury through physiotherapy, medication and rest but how long a rehab period they suggest will be known next week."

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

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

Saim Ayub of late has been one of the best batters for Pakistan in ODIs. He slammed 2 tons in the three games that he played in South Africa and bagged the Player of the Match award. With him being in red-hot form, his absence will leave a massive void for the team in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 if he misses.

The reports in Geo News also provided the developments about the Pakistan squad for the West Indies series. It is learned that Shaheen Afridi won't be playing the Test series while Naseem Shah is all set to be rested for the series.

Pakistan National Cricket Team are likely to go with the spin-heavy attack. The squad announcement is expected within one or two days. 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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