Saim Ayub to be Included in Preliminary Pakistan Champions Trophy 2025 Squad Despite Injury - Report

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Opener Saim Ayub is reportedly set to be included in Pakistan's preliminary squad for the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy 2025 despite picking up an injury, which has ruled him out of action for up to 6 weeks.

Saim suffered a fractured ankle on the first day of the second Test against South Africa last week, and has been advised six weeks break with his foot being placed in a Ankle Medical Moon Boot as part of his rehabilitation process.

According to a report in PTI, the Pakistani selectors have decided to name the injured batter in the provisional squad that will be sent to the International Cricket Council (ICC) for the Champions Trophy beginning February 19.

The report further added that Saim's form in recent months and his improvement as an opener especially in 50-overs format has convinced the selectors to be in the preliminary squad despite his unfortunate injury.

"The selectors will keep him in the preliminary squad as the Pakistan Cricket Board has sent Saim to London to get the best medical opinion on his ankle injury in order to know if he can be fit in time for the Champions Trophy," a source close to the national selectors told PTI.

"PCB has to submit the final squad for the Champions Trophy without requiring any clearance from the Tournament technical committee by 12th February deadline. The selectors feel that even if Saim is not able to get fit in time for the Champions Trophy, he can be replaced by another player," the source further added.

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The reports also added that Fakhar Zaman, who was recently overlooked in the limited overs squads, is also in the plans as an opening partner to Saim Ayub. Should Ayub fail to get fit before the Champions Trophy, Abdullah Shafique or Imam ul Haq are expected to earn call ups.

In Fakhar's absence from recent white ball matches, Saim Ayub has been scoring heavily and impressed everyone on the recent tours to Australia, Zimbabwe and South Africa, scoring 2 hundreds against SA in the ODI series which enabled Pakistan to win 3-0.

Fakhar has not played a 50-over match for Pakistan since the World Cup in late 2023 in India as he has been hit by fitness, injury and other problems. The 34-year-old was dropped from tours to Australia and Zimbabwe.

Imam Ul Haq also has not featured for the national side since 2023, having last played in the ODI format during the World Cup, while Shafique opened alongside Saim in a few matches during the recent white-ball outings.