Massive news arrives on Saim Ayub's rehab and future after Pakistan's shambolic loss to New Zealand

Pakistan opener Saim Ayub is nearing a return to competitive cricket as he prepares for a crucial fitness test at the National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Lahore. After completing his rehabilitation in London, Saim arrived in Lahore on Wednesday ahead of the upcoming PSL 2025 season.

Saim suffered an ankle injury during Pakistan’s tour of South Africa in December 2024. The setback occurred during the second and final Test in Cape Town while he was in top form. He was ruled out of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, which was hosted by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) earlier this month.

Saim Ayub Completes Rehab and Arrives in Lahore Ahead of PSL 2025

Pakistan Cricket Board Chairman Mohsin Naqvi arranged treatment for Saim in London, where he underwent an intensive rehabilitation program. After more than two months of rehab, Ayub has returned to Pakistan with positive medical reports.

Saim is set to undergo a crucial fitness test at the National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Lahore to determine his eligibility for the Pakistan Super League.

"Good news for opener Saim Ayub’s fans, as per sources Saim Ayub has completed his rehab and arrived in Lahore. He will undergo a fitness test soon at the National Cricket Academy," Qadir Khawaja wrote on X.

Good news for opener Saim Ayub’s fans as per sources Saim Ayub has completed his rehab and arrived in Lahore. He will undergo a fitness test soon at the National Cricket Academy.Saim Ayub will celebrate Eid-ul-Fitr with his family in Karachi.His participation in the Pakistan…

— Qadir Khawaja (@iamqadirkhawaja) March 26, 2025

Positive Reports Emerge from the UK on Saim's Recovery

Following the test, Saim is expected to travel to Karachi to celebrate Eid with his family. Reports suggest that his recovery in the UK has been positive.

"Saim will celebrate Eid-ul-Fitr with his family in Karachi. His participation in the Pakistan Super League depends on his fitness. Reports from the UK regarding Ayub’s condition are encouraging," he added.

Saim made his debut for Pakistan in 2023 and has quickly established himself as a key all-format player. The 22-year-old has featured in 44 matches across formats, scoring over 1,300 runs, with three centuries and five half-centuries.

Ayub played a pivotal role in Pakistan's dominant performances during their series whitewashes against Australia and South Africa. Since his ODI debut in November 2024, he has amassed 515 runs in nine innings at an impressive average of 64.38, with three centuries.

Saim's Pakistan Super League Participation Remains Uncertain

Ayub’s participation in the Pakistan Super League remains uncertain. His return would be a major boost for Peshawar Zalmi as they compete for the title.

Peshawar Zalmi have added Mitchell Owen to their squad as a reserve player following his impressive Big Bash League performances. Saim Ayub played a crucial role alongside Babar Azam in the previous PSL season.

The left-handed batter was the fifth-highest run-scorer in the 2024 season, amassing 345 runs in 11 matches at a strike rate of 157. The 2025 PSL season is set to begin on April 8, overlapping with the IPL due to the Champions Trophy 2025 being played in the traditional February-March window.

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