Peshawar Zalmi hopeful for Saim Ayub’s timely return ahead of HBL PSL 10

Mian Abbas Laiq, the Chief Operating Officer of Peshawar Zalmi, is confident that young opener Saim Ayub will recover from his injury in time to participate in the 10th season of the HBL Pakistan Super League (PSL).

During an exclusive conversation with Nukta in Karachi on Wednesday, Abbas shared that Saim has returned to Pakistan and is hopeful of joining Peshawar Zalmi’s training camp after Eid.

However, his participation in the PSL will depend on the approval of the Pakistan Cricket Board's medical panel.

The 22-year-old batter sustained an injury while fielding during the first innings of the Cape Town Test in South Africa earlier this year, which prevented him from taking the field in both innings.

Due to this setback, he was also ruled out of the Champions Trophy. After undergoing rehabilitation in England, Saim returned home on Tuesday.

The upcoming HBL PSL season is set to commence in Rawalpindi on April 11.

Saim has quickly gained widespread recognition for his impressive performances in ODIs, where he has amassed 515 runs in nine matches, including three centuries, at an average of 64. His remarkable batting has earned him a large fan base in a short period.

Hailing from Karachi, Saim has also represented Pakistan in 27 T20 Internationals and eight Test matches. Known for his innovative batting style and signature no-look shot, he has already played three seasons of the PSL, and his fans are eagerly waiting to see him in action once again.

Zalmi’s management is keen to include Saim in their squad for an exhibition match at Arbab Niaz Stadium in Peshawar on April 8. Meanwhile, the team is scheduled to face Quetta Gladiators in their first HBL PSL match on April 12 in Pindi.