Pakistan opener Saim Ayub continues rehabilitation from an ankle injury sustained during the Cape Town Test against South Africa in January.
However, his participation in the upcoming HBL Pakistan Super League (PSL) will depend on a detailed medical assessment on Tuesday. The assessment will determine whether the 22-year-old will be fit in time for the tournament, set to begin on April 11.
Medical assessment to determine PSL fate
Saim is currently undergoing rehabilitation under the supervision of Pakistan cricket trainer Hanif Malik. The medical evaluation, involving British specialists, will play a crucial role in deciding his return to competitive cricket.
Saim, who was initially expected to recover within six weeks, missed the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 and Pakistan’s white-ball tour of New Zealand as a precautionary measure.
PCB’s official instagram has recently been posting Saim Ayub’s training and rehabilitation videos.
How Saim Ayub got injured
The left-handed opener sustained the injury while attempting to prevent a boundary during the Cape Town Test. Twisting his ankle in the process, he was immediately taken off the field and ruled out for the remainder of the series.
While early scans suggested a shorter recovery period, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) opted against rushing him back into action.
His availability for PSL 2025 now hinges on the upcoming medical report.
Peshawar Zalmi await final decision
If cleared to play, Saim will rejoin Peshawar Zalmi, where he is listed in the Platinum category alongside former Pakistan captain Babar Azam.
Zalmi, like the national team, will be closely monitoring the results of his medical evaluation as they finalise plans for the upcoming season.
A final decision on Saim’s return is expected in the coming days.