Hasan Ali has expressed his concerns regarding the Pakistan Cricket Board's perceived preferential treatment towards young opener Saim Ayub, particularly following Ayub's injury that has sidelined him from the Champions Trophy. Hasan, who played a pivotal role in Pakistan's victory in the 2017 Champions Trophy, has criticized the PCB for what he views as favouritism during Ayub's rehabilitation, a privilege not afforded to other players.

Ayub, who demonstrated significant potential early in his career, suffered an ankle injury during the tour of South Africa and has been ruled out of the 2025 Champions Trophy. The 22-year-old has been Pakistan’s leading batsman on recent tours to Australia, Zimbabwe, and South Africa, where he achieved consecutive centuries in ODIs and a T20 century in Zimbabwe.

Unfortunately, his injury has resulted in a 10-week absence from the game, and he is currently undergoing rehabilitation in England. His unavailability has created a substantial gap in Pakistan's batting lineup, prompting the team management to elevate the out-of-form Babar Azam to the opening position alongside Fakhar Zaman. Babar has struggled to meet expectations during the ongoing tri-series against South Africa and New Zealand.

Hasan has voiced his dissatisfaction with the PCB's selective favouritism towards Ayub, recalling that he did not receive similar support from the board during his own injury in 2020. 

"Saim Ayub is injured. He is a player on your team. Wasn't I part of the team in 2020? If another player is injured, does that not make him a member of the team? Does he play for India?" Hasan remarked on the Ultra Edge podcast.

Since the 2023 ODI World Cup, Hasan has not participated in ODIs for Pakistan, as the selection committee has also overlooked him for the Champions Trophy squad.

'You're giving VVIP treatment to Saim Ayub'

The sidelined Pakistani fast bowler expressed his concerns candidly. He remarked that Saim Ayub is receiving preferential treatment, which he doubts will be extended to other players should they sustain injuries in the future.

"You are providing VVIP treatment to Saim Ayub. If another player were to be injured later on, would you afford them the same level of care? I believe the answer is no. What is the rationale behind this?" he stated.

While he criticized the Pakistan Cricket Board, Hasan also extended his wishes for the young batter's health and fitness.

"May God bless him with good health and fitness, enabling him to secure numerous victories for Pakistan. However, it is important to remember that every ascent is followed by a descent. If Saim Ayub were to face another injury, would he receive the same treatment? I think not."

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