Saim Ayub's Champions Trophy hopes dash; Shaheen Afridi returns to Pakistan Test squad vs West Indies

Pakistan opener Saim Ayub underwent his first medical check-up in London after suffering a fractured ankle during the Test series in South Africa. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is awaiting the results before deciding on Saim Ayub's inclusion in the provisional squad for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025.

Saim suffered a fractured ankle in just the seventh over of the opening day during the Cape Town Test against South Africa. The injury led to Ayub being stretchered off the field. Ayub was sent to the UK to receive treatment, where renowned orthopedic surgeons are assessing his condition.

Saim Ayub’s Inclusion in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 Squad Depends on the Doctors’ Reports

On Wednesday, Saim Ayub completed an initial medical check-up in London, where renowned ankle specialist Dr. Lucky Jayaselan evaluated his condition. A second check-up with Dr. David is scheduled as part of the ongoing assessment on Thursday. Ayub was accompanied by assistant coach Azhar Mahmood.

The final decision regarding Ayub's inclusion in Pakistan's provisional squad for the Champions Trophy will depend on the recommendations and reports from the British doctors.

“The decision on Ayub’s inclusion in the Champions Trophy squad will depend on the doctors’ reports from the UK,” a source familiar with the situation told Geo News.

Teams are required to submit their preliminary squads for the ICC tournament by January 12. Each team must submit a 15-member final squad by February 12, without needing clearance from the technical committee. The International Cricket Council (ICC) will announce the submitted squads on February 13.

Imam-ul-Haq Set to Replace Injured Saim Ayub in Pakistan's Test Squad

Imam-ul-Haq is set to replace the injured Saim Ayub in Pakistan's squad for the upcoming home Test series against the West Indies, starting on January 17 in Multan. Spinner Sajid Khan and pacer Shaheen Shah Afridi are likely to make a return, while Abdullah Shafique might be dropped from the squad.

The squad will be announced next week after a meeting of the selection committee following Chief Selector Aqib Javed’s return to Pakistan. Pakistan will take on the West Indies in the first Test on January 17 in Multan.

Haseebullah Khan Ruled Out of the Series Due to Hand Injury

Wicketkeeper-batter Haseebullah Khan has been ruled out of the series against the West Indies after suffering a hand injury during practice. The 21-year-old required stitches for the injury and will not be available for selection.

He was expected to serve as the backup wicketkeeper to Mohammad Rizwan for the series. Haseebullah has represented Pakistan in one ODI and three T20Is, making his debut for Pakistan in a T20I match in January 2024.

The West Indies cricket team has arrived in Pakistan for their first Test series in the country since 2006. The tour will start with a three-day practice match against the Pakistan Shaheens on January 10. The last time these teams faced each other in a Test series was in 2021, with the series ending in a 1-1 draw.

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