Pakistan and India are the only teams that have not yet announced their Champions Trophy squads, despite the ICC's deadline for submitting provisional rosters being set for January. Reports indicate that the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) selectors are prepared to take a significant risk by including the injured Saim Ayub in their lineup for the tournament.

As per a report from PTI, while the PCB has not yet officially revealed their 15-member squad, it is anticipated that prominent players such as Shaheen Shah Afridi, Haris Rauf, Nasim Shah, Fakhar Zaman, and Shadab Khan will be included. An insider has disclosed that the selectors have decided to name opener Saim, who is currently recovering from a right ankle injury.

The selection committee is of the opinion that should the young player not be fit in time for the ICC event, he can be substituted with another player. It is important to note that the ICC permits all teams to modify their provisional squads until February 13.

Saim Ayub recuperating in London

The report additionally indicated that Saim is presently in London at the expense of the PCB, awaiting the final evaluations from two prominent orthopaedic sports surgeons.

“The rationale for Saim's continued stay in London is that, should the doctors advise it, he can undergo rehabilitation there, allowing them to closely monitor his recovery,” stated a source.

“However, if the doctors communicate to the board this week, based on the final test outcomes, that he is fit to rehabilitate in Lahore, Saim will return to the High Performance Centre here,” the insider added.

The selectors remain hopeful that Saim will recover in time for the Champions Trophy, which is set to commence in Karachi on February 19. He has emerged as Pakistan's most improved and consistent ODI batsman in recent times. His two centuries during the three-match one-day series in South Africa highlighted Saim’s rising status as a proficient and rapid-scoring opener.

Read Also: Abhinash Jamwal: The HP Boxer Who Upset the Odds at the Nationals

Get the latest Bollywood entertainment news, trending celebrity news, latest celebrity news, new movie reviews, latest entertainment news, latest Bollywood news, and Bollywood celebrity fashion & style updates!

HOW DID YOU LIKE THIS ARTICLE? CHOOSE YOUR EMOTICON!