Tag: Saim Ayub

Peshawar Zalmi bowling coach Mushtaq Ahmed expressed disappointment over the return of Saim Ayub to the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 10 without sufficient match preparation.

In early January, Saim Ayub suffered a right ankle fracture while fielding during the first day of the second Test between Pakistan and South Africa. The injury ruled him out for 10 weeks and prevented him from playing in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025.

The incident occurred in the seventh over of South Africa’s first innings when Ryan Rickelton played a fuller-length delivery from Mohammad Abbas past the slip cordon into the deep third-wicket region.

Following the injury, Saim Ayub was advised a six-month rest period to allow for a full recovery and was sent to the United Kingdom for his rehab following an ankle injury.

The Pakistan opening batter missed the Champions Trophy 2025 and the following New Zealand white-ball tour.

Saim Ayub returned to competitive cricket in PSL 10, scoring a fifty in his first game. However, the left-hander has struggled to find his form since then and is experiencing a lean run in form.

Now, Peshawar Zalmi bowling coach Mushtaq Ahmed has confessed that it was a mistake to bring Saim Ayub directly into PSL 10 without sufficient match practice.

While speaking in the post-match studio show, Mushtaq shed light on Saim Ayub’s difficulties with the bat.

Catch all the PSL 10 updates here!

“When a player returns from injury, net sessions alone aren’t enough,” said Mushtaq. “To regain form and rhythm, match practice is essential.”

Mushtaq Ahmed stressed the need for a few club matches for Saim Ayub before returning to the high-pressure environment of the PSL.

“Unfortunately, that did not happen, and now we are seeing the consequences of not giving him enough match time before the tournament,” he added.

READ: Saim Ayub picks only one Pakistani player in his T20I World XI

Peshawar Zalmi’s stylish left-hander Saim Ayub has revealed his dream T20I World XI, which surprisingly includes just one player from his home country, Pakistan.

Making an appearance on the Off Topic Zalmi Podcast, Saim was asked to name a T20I XI consisting of currently active players, with the restriction that no more than two players could be selected from a single country.

Even with that caveat, the 21-year-old opted for only one compatriot, opening batter Fakhar Zaman, in his fantasy XI.

Catch all the PSL 10 updates here!

Saim paired Fakhar with Australia’s dynamic Travis Head at the top, forming an explosive opening duo.

For the No. 3 spot, Saim Ayub went with England’s hard-hitting wicketkeeper-batter Jos Buttler, followed by West Indies’ Nicholas Pooran and South Africa’s Heinrich Klaasen, two of the most dangerous middle-order hitters in the game.

At No. 6 came England’s Ben Stokes, who is known for his presence and temperament in big moments.

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He also showed great faith in modern T20 all-rounders by picking India’s Hardik Pandya, Afghanistan’s Rashid Khan, and New Zealand’s Mitchell Santner to control the middle overs.

For the pace battery, he trusted two left-arm giants in T20I cricket, India’s Jasprit Bumrah and Australia’s Mitchell Starc.

Saim Ayub’s T20I World XI: Fakhar Zaman (Pakistan), Travis Head (Australia), Jos Buttler (England), Nicholas Pooran (West Indies), Heinrich Klaasen (South Africa), Ben Stokes (England), Hardik Pandya (India), Rashid Khan (Afghanistan), Mitchell Santner (New Zealand), Jasprit Bumrah (India), Mitchell Starc (Australia).

READ: Pakistan suffer decline across formats after ICC annual rankings update

Jason Gillespie, former Australian fast bowler and Pakistan head coach, has recently heaped high praise on young batter Saim Ayub, comparing him to legendary Saeed Anwar.

During a recent fan interaction on social media, Gillespie didn’t hold back his admiration for Pakistan’s rising opening batter.

“Saeed Anwar was one of the greatest players. I see some of him in Saim Ayub,” he wrote on Instagram.

Catch all the PSL 10 updates here!

Anwar was considered one of the finest top-order batters of his time. For an entire generation, he was the gold standard of left-handed elegance and top-order class, with over 13,000 international runs.

On the other hand, the rise of Saim Ayub over the last 18 months has been anything but ordinary. He has displayed his outstanding talent in the international circuit, particularly in the white-ball formats, combining calmness with flair, and classic shots with modern intent.

However, a freak ankle injury during the second Test against South Africa in 2025, while trying to stop a boundary, had him sidelined for months.

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He slipped, twisted his ankle, and ended up with a serious fracture. His absence during the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 was clearly felt, both in terms of team balance and spark at the top.

Ayub went through rehab and medical treatment in England, eventually passing the PCB’s fitness protocols before making his way back.

And he didn’t waste time making a statement, smashing a classy fifty for Peshawar Zalmi against Quetta Gladiators in the ongoing Pakistan Super League (PSL) 10.

READ: Jurgen Klopp ‘happy’ in new job despite Real Madrid rumours: agent

Pakistan’s opening batter, Saim Ayub, who represents Peshawar Zalmi in the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 10, spoke about his recent return from injury and his bond with ace batter Babar Azam.

In early January, Saim suffered a right ankle fracture while fielding during the first day of the second Test between Pakistan and South Africa. The injury ruled him out for 10 weeks, preventing him from featuring in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025.

The incident occurred in the seventh over of South Africa’s first innings when Ryan Rickelton played a fuller-length delivery from Mohammad Abbas past the slip cordon into the deep third-wicket region.

In an exclusive interview with the franchise, Saim described the rehabilitation process as challenging and enjoyable and expressed gratitude to the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) for its support during his injury.

Catch all the PSL 10 updates here!

“The PCB helped me tremendously during this tough phase. Now that I’m back on the field, I’m enjoying cricket even more – I missed everything about it: the ground atmosphere, batting, bowling, and fielding,” he added.

Saim Ayub also shared his bond with his franchise opening partner, Babar Azam, lauding the invaluable support from Pakistan’s ace batter.

“I’ve talked a lot about Babar bhai over the past two years. He treats everyone equally and makes batting partnerships enjoyable. I always plan my approach according to who I’m batting with,” the Karachi-born batter stated.

The left-handed batter expressed his excitement about playing the game again and the much-awaited PSL.

“I wait whole year for the PSL, and when you have to play for a franchise like Peshawar Zalmi, it adds to your level of excitement,” he revealed.

“Playing alongside local and international stars and gelling with the team – it’s been an incredible learning experience. The team culture of Zalmi is fantastic; we, as a team, enjoy every moment together, ” said Saim of the team’s culture.

READ: PSL 10: Islamabad United win toss against Peshawar Zalmi

Star opener Saim Ayub and wicketkeeper-batter Mohammad Haris have officially joined the Peshawar Zalmi squad in Rawalpindi ahead of the much-anticipated Pakistan Super League (PSL) season 10, which kicks off on April 11.

In a video released by the franchise, Haris was seen driving Ayub to the team hotel, where the duo arrived in high spirits and greeted fans in Pashto, reflecting the Zalmi culture and fanbase connection.

The arrival of the explosive left-hander comes just a day after he was declared fit to feature in PSL 10, marking the end of his rehabilitation from an ankle injury that had kept him out of action for over six weeks.

Saim Ayub had sustained the injury during the Test series against South Africa earlier this year.

After being sidelined from the Champions Trophy and the white-ball tour of New Zealand, the 21-year-old underwent an intensive recovery programme in London before returning home to celebrate Eid with family.

His rehab included strengthening and balance-focused exercises such as single-leg squats, tightrope walks, and single-leg jumps — all aimed at regaining stability and match fitness.

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Peshawar Zalmi will open their PSL 10 campaign against Quetta Gladiators on Saturday, April 12, at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium — a day after defending champions Islamabad United take on Lahore Qalandars in the tournament opener.

Peshawar Zalmi Squad for PSL 10

Babar Azam (c), Saim Ayub, Tom Kohler-Cadmore, Mohammad Haris, George Linde, Mohammad Ali, Hussain Talat, Nahid Rana, Abdul Samad, Arif Yaqoob, Mehran Mumtaz, Sufiyan Muqeem, Najibullah Zadran, Ali Raza, Maaz Sadaqat, Ahmed Daniyal, Alzarri Joseph.

READ: Pakistan A crushed by Bangladesh in Women’s World Cup Qualifier warm-up

Pakistan opening batter Saim Ayub is set to make his return to action in the upcoming Pakistan Super League (PSL) Season 10, where he will represent Peshawar Zalmi.

Reports confirm that the left-handed batter has fully recovered from the ankle injury he sustained earlier this year and has received medical clearance from the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB).

In early January, Saim suffered a right ankle fracture while fielding during the first day of the second Test between Pakistan and South Africa. The injury ruled him out for 10 weeks, preventing him from featuring in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025.

The incident occurred in the seventh over of South Africa’s first innings when Ryan Rickelton played a fuller-length delivery from Mohammad Abbas past the slip cordon into the deep third-wicket region.

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Saim, quick on his feet, sprinted in to act as the relay fielder as Aamir Jamal tried to retrieve the ball from the boundary at deep third-man. Unfortunately, in a distressing moment, Saim lost his balance and stumbled backwards, struggling to regain his footing.

Medical staff attended to him on the field, but his painful grimaces indicated the severity of the injury. Ultimately, he had to be carried off the field after being unable to stand on his own.

The rehabilitation program for Saim Ayub took place in London and included various exercises designed to strengthen and balance the injured ankle.

These drills included single-leg squats, tightrope walks, and single-leg jumps. He returned to Pakistan earlier this month to spend time with his family and celebrate Eid.

READ: I have no intentions of being an all-rounder: Shaheen Afridi

Pakistan opening batter Saim Ayub reached Lahore earlier today, ahead of the upcoming Pakistan Super League (PSL) season 10, after successfully completing his rehabilitation in London.

The left-handed batter is set to undergo a fitness test at the National Cricket Academy (NCA), which will determine his participation in the upcoming season of the PSL.

For the unversed, Saim suffered a right ankle fracture while fielding on the first day of the second Test between Pakistan and South Africa in early January. The injury ruled him out for 10 weeks, forcing him to miss the ICC Champions Trophy 2025.

The incident occurred in the seventh over of South Africa’s first innings when Ryan Rickelton played a fuller-length delivery from Mohammad Abbas past the slip cordon into the deep third-wicket region.

Saim, quick on his feet, dashed in to act as the relay fielder as Aamir Jamal valiantly attempted to haul the ball back from the boundary at deep third-man.

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However, in a heartbreaking moment, Saim Ayub lost his balance and stumbled backwards, struggling to regain his footing.

He was attended to by medical staff on the field, but his painful grimaces made it evident that he was in significant distress. Ultimately, he was carried off the field after he struggled to stand on his feet.

However, the young batter is on the cusp of his thrilling return to competitive cricket, having successfully completed his rehabilitation journey.

According to insider sources from the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), the medical reports he received from the UK are filled with promising signs, instilling a sense of hope and excitement about his return to action.

After completing his fitness test at NCA Lahore, Saim Ayub will head home to Karachi to celebrate Eid with his family. If cleared, he could be back in action for his PSL franchise, Peshawar Zalmi.

READ: Yasir Arafat points out key weakness in Pakistan’s cricketers

Pakistan players are set to make a strong presence in The Hundred 2025 draft, with as many as 45 names officially registered, including star pacer Naseem Shah and young opener Saim Ayub.

The list features a combination of established stars and promising young talent, all eyeing a chance to compete in England’s fast-paced 100-ball tournament.

Leading the charge is pace sensation Naseem Shah, who enters the draft with the highest reserve price among Pakistani players—£120,000. Meanwhile, all-rounder Imad Wasim and explosive left-hander Saim Ayub have set their base price at £78,500.

The list also includes Shadab Khan, Hasan Ali, and Mohammad Hasnain, each carrying a £63,000 reserve price, while Mohammad Amir and Azam Khan have entered at £52,000.

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Left-handed batter Shan Masood has been listed at £41,500, whereas several others—including Mohammad Abbas, Haider Ali, and Ammad Butt—have registered but without a fixed reserve price.

With 348 players from around the world competing for just 10 available slots among eight franchises, the draft—set for March 12—is expected to be highly competitive.

The fifth edition of The Hundred kicks off on August 5 at Lord’s with an exciting London derby between London Spirit and Oval Invincibles, promising another thrilling season of high-intensity cricket.

Pakistan Players Registered for The Hundred 2025 Draft

Naseem Shah, Saim Ayub, Imad Wasim, Hassan Ali, Mohammad Hasnain, Zaman Khan, Shadab Khan, Usama Mir, Mohammad Amir, Azam Khan, Shan Masood, Mohammad Abbas, Nauman Ali, Haider Ali, Mohammad Ali, Salman Ali Agha, Azan Awais, Ammad Butt, Ahmad Daniyal, Sahibzada Farhan, Sameen Gul, Muhammad Haris, Muhammad Imran Jr, Imam Insaram-Ul-Haq, Salman Irshad, Taijul Islam, Aamir Jamal, Sajid Khan, Usman Khan, Jahandad Khan, Haseebullah Khan, Irfan Khan Niazi, Chaudhry Saad Masood, Muhammad Musa, Khawaja Nafay, Rohail Nazir, Muhammad Nawaz, Abdullah Shafique, Hunain Shah, Khurram Shahzad, Saud Shakeel, Muhammad Talat, Ihsan Ullah, Amir Yamin, Mohammad Zeeshan.

READ: Mohammad Amir suggests THIS player to be Pakistan T20I captain

LAHORE: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has provided a crucial update on the injury status of opening batters Fakhar Zaman and Saim Ayub, confirming that neither was considered for the upcoming white-ball series against New Zealand.

Saim Ayub has been on the sidelines since suffering a right ankle fracture during the Test series against South Africa in January, which ruled him out of the ongoing ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025.

Fakhar Zaman was included in Pakistan’s Champions Trophy squad but was forced out after sustaining an injury in the opening match against New Zealand on February 19 in Karachi. He is currently undergoing rehabilitation at the National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Lahore.

According to the PCB, Fakhar suffered a left lower intercostal muscle sprain, while Saim is still recovering from his ankle injury.

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However, both are expected to regain full fitness in time for the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 10, which kicks off in Rawalpindi on April 11, 2025.

“Openers Fakhar Zaman and Saim Ayub were not considered for either format on medical advice,” PCB stated in a press release.

“Fakhar suffered a left lower intercostal muscle sprain during Pakistan’s ICC Champions Trophy 2025 opener against New Zealand, while Saim is recovering from a right ankle fracture sustained on the first day of the Cape Town Test against South Africa in January.

“Both are expected to be fully fit for the HBL Pakistan Super League 10, starting in Rawalpindi on 11 April 2025.”

READ: Mohammad Yousuf appointed as Pakistan’s batting coach ahead of New Zealand tour

Former Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi has emphasized the need to back the national squad in the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy 2025, while also addressing the absence of young batting sensation Saim Ayub.

For the unversed, Saim suffered a right ankle fracture while fielding on the first day of the second Test between Pakistan and South Africa in early January. The injury ruled him out for 10 weeks, forcing him to miss the Champions Trophy 2025.

Shahid Afridi, while speaking to the media on Tuesday, acknowledged that Saim’s injury is a setback but urged everyone to move forward and back the current squad.

“Yes, Saim Ayub’s absence will be felt, but now it’s time to forget that and support the entire squad,” Afridi stated.

“There’s no point in repeatedly mentioning Saim Ayub now. We need to focus on the players who are part of the squad and back them wholeheartedly.”

Shahid Afridi, known for his straightforward views, admitted that he had reservations about the inclusion of one or two players in the Champions Trophy squad but refrained from naming them.

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“I do have some objections to a couple of selections, but I won’t take names. What’s more important now is to support the team,” he said.

Afridi also commented on the much-anticipated clash with India, expressing his disappointment over India’s decision not to play in Pakistan.

“India should have come to Pakistan and played here. But since they will play in Dubai, Pakistan’s focus should be on beating them, wherever the match is,” Afridi remarked.

For the unversed, the defending champions and hosts Pakistan will begin their ICC Champions Trophy 2025 campaign with a game against New Zealand on February 19.

They will then travel to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) for the much-awaited clash against arch-rivals India at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on February 23. Pakistan will then return home to face Bangladesh in Rawalpindi on February 27.

Pakistan squad for ICC Champions Trophy 2025

Mohammad Rizwan (c), Babar Azam, Fakhar Zaman, Kamran Ghulam, Saud Shakeel, Tayyab Tahir, Faheem Ashraf, Khushdil Shah, Salman Ali Agha (vc), Usman Khan, Abrar Ahmed, Haris Rauf, Mohammad Hasnain, Naseem Shah and Shaheen Shah Afridi.

READ: ICC Champions Trophy 2025 commentary panel unveiled