Pakistan’s star opener Sym Ayub will be ruled out of the entire Champions Trophy campaign. The latest news comes from Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Mohsin Naqvi, who claimed that he cannot risk his career just for one match.

Ayub has been one of Pakistan’s best performers in the past few months. The youngster played a key role in his team’s historic victories in Australia and South Africa.

He is eagerly looking forward to Pakistan’s home Champions Trophy campaign, which aims to defend the trophy they won in 2017. However, his absence will severely impact their chances as they will be short of quality opening batsmen.

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Mohsin Naqvi rules Saim Ayub out of trophy

While chatting with reporters, Mohsin Naqvi was asked about Sym Ayub’s condition. The PCB chief was quick to admit that he was in regular contact with the young man and confirmed that Ayub was in the recovery phase.

“I am in touch with Saim (Ayub) every day. His rehabilitation is currently underway and we hope his cast will be removed in a few days. After that, he will work hard to recover,” Naqvi said.

Speaking further about the 22-year-old’s recovery, Naqvi confirmed that Ayub’s future will not be in jeopardy for just one game and that he will be given a full recovery period.

“It takes time and I don’t want to risk his future for a trophy. I’m monitoring everything personally because he is our asset and we want him to recover as soon as possible,” he added.

🚨PCB Chairman MOHSIN NAQVI talks about SAIM AYUB

Opening batsman Saim Ayub looks certain to be left out of the 2025 Champions Trophy 🇵🇰💔 pic.twitter.com/a0MRGRnZDk

— Farid Khan (@_FaridKhan) January 26, 2025

How did Saim Ayoub get injured?

Saim Ayub injured his right ankle while out on the first morning of the second Test match of the series between South Africa and Pakistan. Ayub took the ball and advanced to third with Aamer Jamal. Jamal pulled the ball back as Ayoub served as the reliever.

However, he lost his balance and sprained his ankle. Ayub felt severe pain and was lifted from the ground on a stretcher. He was later seen using crutches and an MRI confirmed he had a broken bone.

He was immediately flown to London for further treatment with the team’s assistant coach Azhar Mahmoud. After returning from London, he began the rehabilitation process with the aim of staying fit ahead of the Champions League trophy.

Saim Ayub’s recent ODI form

Saim Ayub has established himself as Pakistan’s star in all formats of the game. The southpaw was crucial to Pakistan’s ODI series wins in Australia and South Africa. In the ODI against Australia, Ayub scored 125 runs in three games at an average of 41.66 and a strike rate of 97.65, becoming the highest run-scorer in the series.

The 22-year-old was at his best again in the ODI series against South Africa where he scored 235 runs in three games at an average of 78.33 and a two-century strike rate of 96.31. He could have been Pakistan’s ace in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025.