PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi rules out Saim Ayub from Champions Trophy: ‘We are not going to risk his future career’ | Cricket News

With the Pakan team yet to announce their Champions Trophy squad waiting for Saim Ayub’s fitness reports, PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi on Sunday gave a clear indication on the young batter’s status for the tournament.
“I am in touch with his doctors on daily basis and his ankle plaster will come off in next few days. But it will take time for his complete recovery and we are not going to risk his future career just for the Champions Trophy. He is our asset and we him fully fit whatever time is required. I am personally monitoring his progress,” Naqvi said.
Saim had fractured his ankle on the first day of the second Test against South Africa earlier this month in Capetown. Before that, the opener was in blering form scoring two ODI hundreds against the Proteas. He was also named in the recently-released ICC ODI team of the year.
Initially given six weeks for recovery, the PCB sent Saim for check ups with special sports injuries orthopaedic surgeons who are monitoring his recovery process. Discarded opener, Fakhar Zaman who scored a century when Pakan beat India in the final of the last Champions Trophy in 2017, will replace Saim. Shan Masood and Imam ul Haq are under consideration to replace Abdullah Shafique.

Pakan, who are the hosts of the Champions Trophy are all set to start their campaign on February 19 against New Zealand in Karachi’s National Stadium. After that, they will move to Dubai to take on arch-rivals India on February 23 and will end their group stage commitments with a match vs Bangladesh in Rawalpindi.
(With agency inputs)