Saim Ayub sets the record straight, denies Babar Azam as his sole idol

The youngsters often look up to iconic figures for inspiration in the ever-evolving cricket world, but the young Pakistan cricket team batter Saim Ayub has taken a refreshingly unique stance. The 22-year-old rising star has shattered orthodox perception by declaring that idealizing a single legend is a complete dishonor to Pakistan’s rich cricketing heritage.

The left-handed batter said that Pakistan has produced a plethora of cricketing legends, so picking out a single player as an inspiration would be disrespectful to the other greats and their contribution to the game in the country. He said that Pakistan players don’t need to look beyond Pakistan for inspiration, as every former great has a unique skill to learn from.

Saim Ayub calls for learning from all cricket legends

So, instead of focusing on just one player, Saim Ayub wants to learn from every legend. The young batter said that it would be really beneficial for the youngsters to learn from every former Pakistani legend, drawing valuable lessons from each of their distinctive styles and contributions.

Saim Ayub was quoted as saying by Geo News: “I cannot idealize any one cricketer. Pakistan has produced great legends, and idealizing only one will be injustice with them. I try to learn every good thing from our ex-cricketers.”

"I cannot idealise any one cricketer. Pakistan has produce great legends and idealising only one will be injustice with them. I try to learn every good thing from our ex-cricketers." - SAIM AYUB! #PAKvBAN pic.twitter.com/40ceYNcCl4

— Arfa Feroz Zake (@ArfaSays_) August 9, 2024

Meanwhile, Ayub also shared his views on the demands of the modern game, where a high strike rate and an aggressive approach have become crucial. Ayub acknowledged that today’s cricket landscape favors attacking play, and he is committed to adapting his game accordingly.

Batting at a good strike rate is the requirement of modern-day cricket: Ayub

Even if an aggressive style does not come naturally to him, the young Pakistani batter said he is determined to embrace it, as this is a must in the world of contemporary games. His approach is not only about versatility and willingness to evolve but also about being ready for the challenges.

Saim Ayub further noted, “Batting at a good strike rate is the requirement of modern-day cricket. We have seen other teams playing with an attacking approach. I would always try to play with an attacking mindset, even if it was not my natural gameplay.”

"Batting at good strikerate is the requirement of modern day cricket. We have seen other teams playing with an attacking approach. I would always try to play with attacking mindset even if it was not my natural gameplay." - SAIM AYUB! #PAKvBAN pic.twitter.com/WWKkiwwltA

— Arfa Feroz Zake (@ArfaSays_) August 9, 2024

He is currently taking part in the training camp under Pakistan head coach Jason Gillespie and assistant coach Azhar Mahmood in Rawalpindi ahead of the two-match Test series against Bangladesh at home. Ayub was also named in the Pakistan squad for the Bangladesh Tests.

These Test matches are part of the World Test Championship, with the first Test being played in Rawalpindi from August 21, followed by the second and final Test in Karachi from August 30.

Recently, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) announced the appointment of Australia’s Tim Nielsen as the new high-performance coach for red-ball cricket to return back to the winning track.

According to PCB sources, Nielsen, who previously served as a coach for the Australian team for four years, was recommended for the role by Gillespie. The two have worked together at the South Australian Cricket Academy.