PCB provides major update on Fakhar Zaman, Saim Ayub’s injuries

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 neither was considered for the upcoming white-ball series against New Zealand.

Saim Ayub has been on the sidelines since suffering a right ankle fracture during the Test series against South Africa in January, which ruled him out of the ongoing ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025.

Fakhar Zaman was included in Pakistan’s Champions Trophy squad but was forced out after sustaining an injury in the opening match against New Zealand on February 19 in Karachi. He is currently undergoing rehabilitation at the National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Lahore.

According to the PCB, Fakhar suffered a left lower intercostal muscle sprain, while Saim is still recovering from his ankle injury.

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However, both are expected to regain full fitness in time for the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 10, which kicks off in Rawalpindi on April 11, 2025.

“Openers Fakhar Zaman and Saim Ayub were not considered for either format on medical advice,” PCB stated in a press release.

“Fakhar suffered a left lower intercostal muscle sprain during Pakistan’s ICC Champions Trophy 2025 opener against New Zealand, while Saim is recovering from a right ankle fracture sustained on the first day of the Cape Town Test against South Africa in January.

“Both are expected to be fully fit for the HBL Pakistan Super League 10, starting in Rawalpindi on 11 April 2025.”

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