Saim Ayub : Ruled Out of ICC Champions Trophy

The 22-year-old opener injured his ankle in the Second Test against South Africa, which took place at Cape Town early this month and has been admitted for treatment in London.

Naqvi said that although Saim's short-term fitness cannot be compromised at any cost, the main demand is for the long-term fitness, and no risks will be taken when he is recuperating. Talking to mediapersons, he said, "I am in touch with his doctors on a daily basis, and his ankle plaster will come off in the next few days.". However, for his complete recovery, it will take some time, and we are not going to risk his future career just for the Champions Trophy. He is our asset, and we want him fully fit, no matter how much time it takes. "

Saim Ayub has been a revelation since he debuted in ODI against Australia back in November last year. In as many as nine innings, he has scored 515 runs at an average of 64.30 with three half-centuries and two hundreds under his belt. His impressive performances have earned him a position in the ICC's ODI Team of the Year.

Before his unfortunate injury, Saim was in red-hot form during the ODI series in South Africa, where he notched up two centuries. However, his injury while fielding near the boundary line has put his Champions Trophy participation in doubt.The PCB had estimated a six-week recovery period, but Saim was sent to London for consultations with specialist sports orthopaedic surgeons, who are closely monitoring his rehabilitation.

Saim will be Replaced by Fakhar Zaman

He is a Senior opening batsman who will look for Saim's vacant position on his absence. Well, the legendary century by Fakhar in the final of Champions Trophy 2017 vs India to seal Pakistan and lift up the trophy makes it more than natural to have him as a replacement.