Pakistan likely to miss this key batsman in the Champions Trophy 2025

Pakistan batter Saim Ayub has rounded off his assessments with orthopaedic surgeons in London for his ankle injury, however, it will require a week to confirm if he can participate in the ICC Champions Trophy next month.

Saim was examined by two noted orthopaedic surgeons in London, named Dr David Redfern and Dr Lucky Jeyaseelan. A source close to Saim said that the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is eager to have the player fit in time for the tournament’s game against India on February 23 in Dubai.

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“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 but he could be fit for the India game, the selectors and PCB are willing to take the risk,” the source said.

He said that Saim was sent to London for consultations with specialists, though he was earlier consulted to rest for six weeks due to an ankle injury, since the PCB is very keen to have him play in the standalone ODI tournament. PCB will be receiving the final reports and advice next week, along with an update on his recovery process and time. However, they have warded off suggestions about any invasive or non-invasive surgery to correct his ankle after initial examinations.

“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,” he said.

PCB will include Saim in the prelimiary squad for the Champions Trophy, since the selectors have time till February 12 to bring about changes in their final 15-member squad. Saim will stay in London until next week to figure out if he needs to get rehab done at the board’s high performance centre in Lahore or is required to stay put in England itself.