Saim Ayub completes rehabilitation, returns for fitness assessment

LAHORE: Opening batter Saim Ayub successfully returned to the country after undergoing rehabilitation for an ankle injury sustained during the Cape Town test against South Africa in January.

He is scheduled to take a vital fitness test at the National Academy in Lahore, which will determine his eligibility for the upcoming Pakistan Super League (PSL).

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The injury occurred while Saim Ayub was fielding, and subsequent examinations revealed a fracture that required treatment in England.

After more than two months of recovery, Ayub received positive medical reports from the UK, as confirmed by sources from within the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB).

The PCB’s medical team will evaluate the batter’s condition and develop guidelines based on his recovery progress. The outcome of his fitness test is important for confirming his participation in PSL 2025, where he is expected to play a key role for Peshawar Zalmi, the franchise he represents.

The team, which includes Babar Azam among other, is eager to have Ayub back in action.

Saim Ayub has performed consistently well in the previous PSL   season, where he accumulated 345 runs at an average of 31.36 and a strike rate exceeding 157.

While Ayub is expected to celebrate Eid with his family in Karachi, the final decision regarding his participation in the PSL will depend on the results of his fitness assessment in Lahore.    

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In the event of being unable to pass the test, Saim Ayub will be replaced by Mitchell Owen as a potential opening option.