PCB considers dropping injured Saim for CT amidst recovery setback

ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) think-tank has finally started thinking about playing the forthcoming Champions Trophy without Saim Ayub as reports emerging from the UK on his recovery are not all that encouraging.

After consulting relevant sports injury experts, this correspondent wrote a story on Saim’s fitness condition on January 5, mentioning that it would not be possible for the batsman to recover in time for the Champions Trophy.

Well-informed sources confirmed to The News that Saim’s ankle has not healed yet. “He has yet to recover as the ankle is still in bandage. Once he would come out of plaster, the recovery process will begin meaning he requires a few more weeks to think about starting practice,” a source said.

“His injury is a sensitive one that requires a complete rest and a proper rehabilitation as such it will not be possible for selectors to consider him for the Champions Trophy. A player like Saim requires extra care as he is the future of Pakistan’s batting lineup,” a sports injury expert has recently told The News.

Saim sustained a right ankle fracture while fielding on the opening day of the second men’s cricket Test against South Africa at Newlands.

It was generally believed that Saim and Fakhar Zaman’s opening pair would be an ideal one for Pakistan’s campaign to defend the Champions Trophy title. Now Pakistan would be looking forward to having a new pair most likely, Imam ul Haq and Fakhar to open the innings.

“It is a share bad luck that we would be missing Saim for the big event. He is one player who has proved as Pakistan’s top-order forte in the recently held ODI matches. We hope to get him fit and back in the squad at the earliest,” a source said.

Besides missing the Champions Trophy, he will also miss the tri-series engagements also involving South Africa and New Zealand.

In all probabilities, Saim will be considered for selection for the away white-ball series in New Zealand in late March and later in the PSL X starting from April 9.

After realizing the bitter reality, The News has learned that the PCB think-tank has started thinking in terms of going into the Champions Trophy without Saim. And as to how to fill in for the talented opener. Fakhar Zaman, Haider Ali, Imam ul Haq, and Khushdil Shah are being considered for selection apart from all those already in the loop. An official statement on Saim’s injury status is expected to be realized at the start of February.

The ICC has set a February 12 deadline for all countries to submit the final 15 after which the matter of replacement would be with the official ICC Committee.