Shahid Afridi Gives Update on Saim Ayub’s Participation in Champions Trophy

Pakistan cricket legend Shahid Afridi has confirmed that talented top-order batter Saim Ayub will not feature in the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy 2025, citing the player’s ongoing recovery from an ankle injury. Afridi shared the update during an appearance on Samaa News’ Podcast, revealing the extent of Ayub’s fitness struggles and its implications for the national team.

Saim Ayub Needs More Time to Recover

Shahid Afridi disclosed details of a conversation with Ayub, shedding light on the batter’s rehabilitation timeline. “I talked to Saim Ayub last night. He told me that he needs three weeks, and only after that will his rehab start,” Afridi disclosed during the podcast. The timeline of his recovery would preclude him from participating in the Champions Trophy which is set to begin next month.

“I advised him not to rush the process. If you have even the slightest of injuries and you start playing before you are ready, that can become a prolonged issue. You are young, you have a lot of cricket ahead of you so take your time in recovering” Shahid Afridi added.

🚨 SHAHID AFRIDI CONFIRMS SAIM AYUB WILL MISS CHAMPIONS TROPHY

Afridi told Samaa News "I talked to Saim Ayub last night, he told me that he needs 3 weeks and after that his rehab will start. Pakistan will feel Saim's absence in CT 25 because we don't have backups ready" 🇵🇰💔💔 pic.twitter.com/aA5Orb8JCm

— Farid Khan (@_FaridKhan) January 16, 2025

Ayub’s absence is a significant blow for Pakistan, especially given his impressive form since his international debut in March 2023. The 22-year-old has been a revelation at the top of the order, amassing three centuries and a half-century in just nine ODIs, alongside solid performances in other formats.