Saim injury update: Pakistan opener's availability for Champions Trophy uncertain

The country’s left-handed prolific opener Saim Ayub is undergoing rehabilitation of his fractured ankle in London and is under the care of top specialists.

It is not yet known whether he will be able to return to the squad for the ICC Champions Trophy which will begin in Pakistan next month.

When asked about Saim’s Champions Trophy chances, a Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) well-placed source said it depends on the doctors’ recommendation.

“It depends on the PCB Medical Panel's recommendation,” the source told Nukta.

“Till date the PCB medical panel has not said anything. Saim remains in London where he is doing his rehab and also consulting specialists,” the source said

Saim fractured his ankle during the second Test against South Africa in Cape Town early this month while fielding.

An MRI conducted in Cape Town had confirmed the fracture, immobilized in an ankle medical moon boot.

Keeping in view the approaching Champions Trophy, the PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi decided to send him to London for top treatment.

Saim’s presence in the team is extremely important for the Champions Trophy. He was seen in sublime touch in the away series against Australia, Zimbabwe and South Africa recently.

His exploits in the ODI series against South Africa were immensely impressive. He hit two centuries in three matches which helped Pakistan whitewash the Proteas.

However, there is a big question mark about how Saim will deliver if he even returns to the squad. Whether he will be in the same flow or not? Definitely it would not be easy for him to do well immediately after returning from injury.

It would be interesting to see what the medical panel will advise the selectors who will then decide his Champions Trophy fate.

If he is kept away of the Champions Trophy then the selectors will have to induct an opener to replace him. Shan Masood and Imam-ul-Haq might be potential options for the single slot.

Fakhar Zaman is also set to return to the squad after being kept away from the country’s recent three successive away series due to various reasons also including his fitness issues.

Pakistan will defend its title in the Champions Trophy. The Green-shirts will open their Group A journey with the game against New Zealand on February 19 at the National Stadium Karachi.

The Green Shirts will then face arch-rivals India in Dubai on February 23 and it will be followed by their show against Bangladesh on February 27 at Rawalpindi.

The Group B carries England, South Africa, Australia and Afghanistan.

The top two teams from each group will progress to the semi-finals.

The first semi-final will be held in Dubai on March 4 with the second to follow on March 5 at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium. The final will be held on March 9 either in Dubai or Lahore.

If India qualifies for the decider, then it will be held in the UAE otherwise it will be conducted at Lahore.