Two names emerge to replace Saim Ayub in Champions Trophy

With rookie batter Saim Ayub highly likely to miss the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy, two names are under consideration to replace the southpaw

One of them is Pakistan red-ball captain Shan Masood, while Imam ul Haq is in contention to replace injured Saim Ayub in the Champions Trophy squad.

Shan Masood’s inclusion in the side depends on his performance in the second Test against West Indies.

The left-hander has represented Pakistan in nine ODIs so far and has a century to his name in the format.

Saim is currently sidelined due to an ankle injury sustained during the Test series against South Africa.

Moreover, Imam is also being discussed as an alternative option.

Apart from that, slump in Abdullah Shafique’s form has prompted selectors to explore Shan Masood for the ODI format as well.

Shan could provide stability to Pakistan’s batting lineup. He has scored 163 runs at an average of 18 in nine ODIs, with a solitary half-century and last played an ODI against New Zealand in 2023.

Meanwhile, Fakhar Zaman’s return to the squad appears certain, though Shadab Khan’s inclusion is unlikely.

Selectors are also deliberating on the inclusion of Imam-ul-Haq and Haseebullah, alongside regulars such as Mohammad Rizwan, Babar Azam, Salman Ali Agha, Tayyab Tahir and Irfan Khan.