Pakistan is taking a huge gamble on star player Saim Ayub, who is currently recovering from an ankle injury. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has decided to include the 22-year-old opener in their preliminary squad for the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy. The main goal is to have him ready for Pakistan’s highly anticipated match against India on February 23 in Dubai.
Saim, who suffered the injury recently, has been undergoing treatment in London. He had consultations with two well-known orthopedic specialists, Dr. David Redfern and Dr. Lucky Jeyaseelan. The doctors examined his ankle thoroughly, but it will take another week to know if he will be fit in time for the Champions Trophy.
According to a source close to the PCB, even if Saim isn’t fully recovered for Pakistan’s opening game against New Zealand on February 19 in Karachi, the selectors are still hopeful that he can be ready for the India game. The source mentioned that PCB is determined to have Saim available for this big match, despite the risks. The India game is crucial for Pakistan, and they believe that having Saim in the squad could be a game-changer.
Initially, Saim was advised to rest for six weeks due to his ankle injury. However, the PCB didn’t want to take any chances and decided to send him to London for further medical assessments. They are focused on getting him fit for the Champions Trophy, with a special focus on the India match. The PCB hopes that Saim will be able to recover in time, even if it means taking a big risk.
The final decision on his recovery will come next week when the specialists provide a clearer picture of how much time Saim will need to recover. Based on the initial examination, surgery has been ruled out, and the doctors believe that physiotherapy, medication, and rest could help him heal. The exact duration of his rehab will be determined after further evaluation.
For now, Saim will remain in London for more treatment and rehabilitation. Once the doctors give a clearer picture, the PCB will decide if he should return to Lahore for rehab at the PCB’s high-performance center or if he should continue his treatment in London.
The PCB is willing to take a calculated risk by including Saim in the preliminary squad for the Champions Trophy, which was announced earlier. The final squad will be confirmed by February 12, and the selectors will have the option to make changes before then.
While the situation is still uncertain, the PCB’s focus on getting Saim ready for the India game highlights how important he is to the team. His performances in recent matches have shown that he can be a match-winner, and his presence in the squad could give Pakistan a huge boost in their efforts to beat India.
As the Champions Trophy approaches, fans and experts alike will be keeping an eye on Saim’s progress. His recovery could play a major role in Pakistan’s campaign, especially in a game as high-profile as the one against India. It’s a risky move, but if it pays off, it could prove to be a game-changing decision for Pakistan.
Stay tuned for updates as more information about Saim Ayub’s injury and recovery is revealed.
