Will Saim Ayub part ways with Peshawar Zalmi ahead of PSL 11?

Peshawar Zalmi’s opening batter Saim Ayub could be set to part ways with the franchise ahead of the 11th edition of the Pakistan Super League (PSL), scheduled to run from March 26 to May 3, following a prediction made by an official Islamabad United mascot platform on social media.

The speculation emerged after United’s official mascot platform, Red Hot Sheru, shared a post on X suggesting that the young left-handed batter would be leaving Zalmi.

“Breaking news. Saim Ayub is leaving them. You heard it here first,” the platform wrote.

However, neither Saim Ayub nor Peshawar Zalmi have made any official announcement regarding the development so far. 

The rumours have surfaced at a time when the league is approaching its final preparatory phase, with the PSL 11 player draft expected to take place on January 30.

It is pertinent to mention that the 23-year-old has been one of the most consistent performers in the league’s history. 

Ayub has represented both Quetta Gladiators and Peshawar Zalmi in the PSL, featuring in one season for the Gladiators before spending the remainder of his PSL career with Zalmi.

In 40 PSL matches, Ayub has scored 974 runs at an impressive strike rate of 145.59, including eight half-centuries. He has also contributed with the ball, claiming 14 wickets.

Apart from the PSL, Ayub has gained experience in other international franchise leagues. 

He has featured in three Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) seasons, representing Rangpur Riders, Durdanto Dhaka and Sylhet Titans. Across 11 BPL matches, he scored 173 runs at a strike rate of 104.21.

Ayub also has experience in the Caribbean Premier League (CPL), where he played for Guyana Amazon Warriors and was part of the title-winning squad.

In 13 CPL matches, he amassed 478 runs at a strike rate of 142.26, registering four half-centuries.