PCB awaits medical reports on Saim Ayub’s fitness for CT 2025

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is awaiting medical reports from doctors in London before deciding whether to include top-order batter Saim Ayub in Pakistan’s provisional squad for the ICC Champions Trophy next month.

The 22-year-old suffered a fractured ankle on the opening day of the Cape Town Test against South Africa and was initially ruled out for six weeks.

Following the injury, the PCB sent him to the UK for specialised treatment and further evaluation.

On Wednesday, Ayub underwent an initial assessment by Dr. Lucky Jeyaseelan, a Consultant Trauma and Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Surgeon in London. 

He was accompanied by Pakistan Cricket Team’s assistant coach, Azhar Mahmood. A second evaluation with Dr. David is scheduled for Thursday, sources told Geo News.

“The decision on Ayub’s inclusion in the Champions Trophy squad will depend on the doctors’ reports from the UK,” a source familiar with the situation said.

Earlier, PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi reaffirmed the board’s dedication to providing world-class medical care for Ayub, describing him as a valuable asset for Pakistan cricket.

The countdown to the highly anticipated ICC Champions Trophy 2025 has begun, with the deadline for submitting preliminary squads set for January 12. 

Teams are advised to finalise their initial squads by midnight on February 11, as the official tournament period begins on February 12.

The prestigious Champions Trophy will commence on February 19 in Karachi, marking the start of a thrilling month-long cricketing spectacle. 

The eight participating teams can make changes to their preliminary squads without ICC approval until February 11.

The eight-team tournament, featuring 15 matches, is scheduled to run from February 19 to March 9. 

Matches will be held across three venues in Pakistan — Karachi, Lahore, and Rawalpindi — with Dubai also hosting several key fixtures.

The teams are divided into two groups: Group A consists of Pakistan, India, New Zealand, and Bangladesh, while Group B features Afghanistan, South Africa, England, and Australia. 

Hosts Pakistan will open the tournament against New Zealand on February 19 in Karachi.