LAHORE: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has provided a crucial update on the injury status of opening batters Fakhar Zaman and Saim Ayub, confirming that both players will miss the upcoming white-ball series against New Zealand.
Saim Ayub has been sidelined since January due to a right ankle fracture sustained during Pakistan’s Test series against South Africa. The injury not only ruled him out of the ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025 but has also prolonged his absence from competitive cricket. Providing an update on his recovery, the PCB stated, “Saim is still recovering from his ankle injury.”
Fakhar Zaman, initially part of Pakistan’s Champions Trophy squad, suffered a left lower intercostal muscle sprain during the opening match against New Zealand on February 19 in Karachi. The PCB confirmed that Fakhar is currently undergoing rehabilitation at the National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Lahore.
The absence of both players is a significant blow to Pakistan’s batting lineup, especially with the crucial New Zealand series approaching. Fakhar Zaman’s aggressive stroke play and experience have been instrumental for the team, while Saim Ayub’s emerging talent was expected to strengthen Pakistan’s top-order.