Pakistan’s opening batter Saim Ayub has officially been ruled out of the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy, as he continues his recovery from an ankle injury sustained in January. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) confirmed that Ayub remains in England for rehabilitation and is expected to be sidelined for at least another five weeks. His participation in Pakistan’s white-ball series against New Zealand following the Champions Trophy also remains uncertain.
A statement from the PCB indicated that Ayub is “progressing well” in his rehabilitation but requires more time to fully recover. His injury—a right ankle fracture—occurred during the second Test against South Africa in Cape Town five weeks ago when he twisted his ankle while fielding.
The incident took place in the seventh over of the match, when Ryan Rickelton edged a delivery past the slips. Ayub, chasing alongside Aamer Jamal, attempted to act as the relay fielder but lost his balance and twisted his ankle. He collapsed in pain, clutching his lower leg, and had to be stretchered off the field. Despite treatment, he was unable to put weight on his leg and was later seen on crutches.
Initially, the PCB estimated a six-week recovery period, sparking optimism about his potential return for the Champions Trophy, which Pakistan is hosting. However, with his rehabilitation still ongoing, Ayub was not included in Pakistan’s squad for the tournament.
Pakistan’s next international assignment after the Champions Trophy final on March 9 is an eight-match white-ball series in New Zealand, featuring five T20Is and three ODIs from March 16 to April 5. Given his extended recovery timeline, his participation in the tour remains in doubt. The Pakistan Super League (PSL) begins on April 8, making his availability for the franchise tournament another key question.
With Ayub’s absence, Pakistan will look to other opening options, including the recently recalled Fakhar Zaman and Faheem Ashraf, as they prepare for a crucial period in white-ball cricket.