Pakistan Cricket Board have now shared an update on Ayub’s recovery, stating that the batter is ‘progressing well’ during his rehabilitation in England.While Ayub will still miss Pakistan’s ICC Champions Trophy defence at home, he has not yet been ruled out of the white-ball tour of New Zealand in March.
“His availability for the New Zealand tour will be subject to clearing all fitness tests and medical requirements,” the statement from PCB read.
Pakistan are scheduled to play five T20Is and three ODIs between March 16 and April 5.
Ayub had been a major name missing in Pakistan’s squad for the upcoming major tournament, an ICC report said.
The 22-year-old, who made his ODI debut last year, quickly solidified his place in the 50-over format, and was instrumental in series wins in Australia and South Africa. As Pakistan registered famous away series wins, Ayub amassed 515 runs at an average of 64.37 from nine innings.
However, an injury sustained while fielding in the deep led to Ayub being ruled out in the middle of the Test series against South Africa.
On his exclusion from the Champions Trophy squad, Pakistan’s national selection committee member Asad Shafiq had explained, “We understand how much he was looking forward to the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 and recognise how devastating it must be for him to miss a global event, especially when he is in such exceptional batting form."
“However, as a valuable asset to our team, we are committed to prioritising his long-term health over making any rushed decisions,” Shafiq added.(UNI)
