Injury Update on Fakhar Zaman and Saim Ayub

Web Desk: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has issued a crucial update regarding opening batters Fakhar Zaman and Saim Ayub, both of whom are currently sidelined due to injuries.

Saim Ayub’s Injury and Recovery Timeline

Young opener Saim Ayub sustained a right ankle fracture during the Cape Town Test against South Africa in January. As a result, he was ruled out of international cricket for at least six weeks, forcing him to miss selection for Pakistan’s ICC Champions Trophy 2025 squad.

Fakhar Zaman’s Setback and Rehabilitation

Meanwhile, Fakhar Zaman, who recently made a comeback to the national team after missing series against Australia, South Africa, and Zimbabwe, faced another unfortunate injury. Initially included in Pakistan’s Champions Trophy squad, Fakhar suffered a left lower intercostal muscle sprain during Pakistan’s tournament opener against New Zealand on February 19 in Karachi. Following the injury, he was ruled out of the tournament and is currently undergoing rehabilitation at the National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Lahore.

PCB’s Official Statement on the Duo’s Fitness

In an official press release, the PCB confirmed that both Fakhar Zaman and Saim Ayub were not considered for selection in any format due to medical reasons.

“Openers Fakhar Zaman and Saim Ayub were not considered for either format on medical advice,” the PCB statement read.

“Fakhar suffered a left lower intercostal muscle sprain during Pakistan’s ICC Champions Trophy 2025 opener against New Zealand, while Saim is recovering from a right ankle fracture sustained on the first day of the Cape Town Test against South Africa in January.”

“Both players are expected to be fully fit ahead of the HBL Pakistan Super League (PSL) Season 10, which kicks off in Rawalpindi on April 11, 2025.”

Pakistan’s Squad Announcement for the New Zealand Series

In addition to the injury update, the PCB also announced the national squad for the upcoming white-ball series against New Zealand, which will feature five T20 Internationals (T20Is) and three One Day Internationals (ODIs) from March 16 to April 5, 2025.

T20I Squad Leadership

Salman Ali Agha has been appointed as Pakistan’s T20I captain for the five-match series against New Zealand, set from March 16 to March 26. Shadab Khan will serve as vice-captain.

ODI Squad Leadership

For the three-match ODI series scheduled from March 29 to April 5, wicketkeeper-batsman Mohammad Rizwan will lead the side, with Agha Salman as his deputy.

Conclusion

With the HBL PSL 10 just around the corner and the New Zealand series on the horizon, Pakistan’s cricketing landscape remains dynamic. While Fakhar Zaman and Saim Ayub focus on their recovery, the national squad looks forward to their upcoming international assignments, aiming for strong performances in the T20I and ODI series against New Zealand.

Stay tuned for more updates on Pakistan cricket as the action unfolds!