Saim Ayub Champions Trophy hopes; Shaheen Afridi returns to Pakistan’s Test squad against West Indies
Pakistan opener Saim Ayub underwent his first medical in London after sustaining a fractured ankle during the Test series in South Africa. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is awaiting the results before deciding on Saim Ayub’s inclusion in the provisional squad for the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy.
Saim suffered a broken ankle in just the seventh over on the first day during the Cape Town Test against South Africa. The injury led to Ayub being forced off the field. Ayub was sent to Great Britain for treatment, where renowned orthopedic surgeons assessed his condition.
Saim Ayub’s inclusion in the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy squad is subject to medical reports
On Wednesday, Saim Ayub completed his first medical examination in London, where the famous ankle specialist Dr. Lucky Jayaselan assessed his condition. Second examination with dr. David was scheduled for an ongoing evaluation on Thursday. Ayub was accompanied by assistant coach Azhar Mahmood.
The final decision on Ayub’s inclusion in Pakistan’s provisional squad for the Champions Trophy will depend on the recommendations and reports of British doctors.
“A decision on Ayub’s inclusion in the Champions Trophy squad will depend on the reports from the UK doctors,” a source familiar with the situation told Geo News.
Teams must submit their preliminary squads for the ICC tournament by January 12. Each team must submit a final roster of 15 members by February 12, without the need for technical committee approval. The International Cricket Council (ICC) will announce the announced squads on February 13.
Imam-ul-Haq will replace the injured Saim Ayub in the Pakistan Test team
Imam-ul-Haq is set to replace the injured Saim Ayub in Pakistan’s squad for the upcoming home Test series against West Indies, starting on January 17 in Multan. Spinner Sajid Khan and pacer Shaheen Shah Afridi are likely to return, while Abdullah Shafique may be dropped from the squad.
The squad will be announced next week after the selection committee meeting following chief selector Aqib Javed’s return to Pakistan. Pakistan will take on West Indies in the first Test on January 17 in Multan.
Haseebullah Khan ruled out of series due to hand injury
Wicketkeeper-batter Haseebullah Khan has been ruled out of the series against the West Indies after sustaining a hand injury during practice. The 21-year-old needs stitches due to the injury and will not be available for selection.
He was expected to serve as a backup wicket to Mohammad Rizwan in the series. Haseebullah represented Pakistan in one ODI and three T20Is and made his debut for Pakistan in a T20I match in January 2024.
The West Indies cricket team has arrived in Pakistan for their first Test series in the country since 2006. The tour will begin with a three-day practice match against Pakistan’s Shaheens on January 10. The last time these teams faced each other in a Test series was in 2021 and the series ended in a 1-1 draw.
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