Pakistan’s rising superstar opener Saim Ayub has officially been ruled out of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 due to an ankle injury, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) confirmed in its latest update. The 22-year-old, who sustained the injury during the New Year’s Test against South Africa in Cape Town, is now aiming to return during Pakistan’s tour of New Zealand in March, pending clearance of all fitness tests.
Despite the severity of his injury, the PCB remained hopeful about Saim Ayub’s participation in the Champions Trophy throughout January, but as the deadline for squad confirmations approached, his inclusion became increasingly unlikely. Pakistan was the last team to unveil its provisional squad, confirming that Ayub had not recovered in time. With the deadline for squad changes set for February 11, the latest medical update has ended any lingering speculation. Ayub will not be available for the marquee tournament.
According to the PCB’s latest statement, Saim Ayub has been ruled out for ten weeks since his injury on January 10. Although he will miss the Champions Trophy, his rehabilitation in England is reportedly progressing well. The youngster underwent comprehensive MRI scans, X-rays, and medical assessments to determine the extent of his right ankle fracture and recovery timeline.
With the Champions Trophy ruled out, the PCB is now targeting Saim’s return during Pakistan’s New Zealand tour in March. However, his availability remains dependent on passing all fitness and medical assessments. The New Zealand tour, which includes five T20Is and three ODIs from March 16 to April 5, will be followed by the Pakistan Super League (PSL)—a tournament where Ayub first made his mark as a promising young batter.
While the immediate disappointment of missing his first ICC ODI tournament is undeniable, Saim Ayub will now shift his focus to regaining full fitness and making a strong comeback in international cricket. At just 22 years of age, he will likely represent Pakistan in many more future events.
