As Pakistan prepares for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, uncertainty looms over the availability of Saim Ayub. The young opener, a promising talent in Pakistan’s top order, is currently out of action due to injury, posing a significant selection challenge for the team management.
With the deadline for initial squad submissions Champions Trophy fast approaching, Pakistan will need to decide who will take Saim Ayub’s place if he is unable to make a timely recovery.
Saim’s ODI Stats:
| Format | Matches | Innings | Not Outs | Runs | Highest Score (HS) | Average (Ave) | Balls Faced (BF) | Strike Rate (SR) | 100s | 50s | 4s | 6s | Catches (Ct) | Stumpings (St) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ODIs | 9 | 9 | 1 | 515 | 113* | 64.37 | 488 | 105.53 | 3 | 1 | 59 | 16 | 9 | 0 |
Saim Ayub’s absence would be a significant blow to Pakistan’s top-order stability, as he has been a key performer in recent series. However, with Pakistan’s opening slot up for grabs, there are several potential candidates who could step up and fill the void left by Ayub. Let’s take a closer look at each of the contenders.
Fakhar Zaman
Fakhar Zaman is the likeliest batter to open the innings for Pakistan in Champions Trophy 2025. The two left-handers have the same aggressive batting mentality which is Pakistan’s need in limited overs.
Fakhar himself is no stranger to high-pressure situations, having been an integral part of Pakistan’s squad since his standout performances in the ICC Champions Trophy 2017, where he played a pivotal role in Pakistan’s title-winning campaign. Despite his animosity with the team management recently, Fakhar’s experience at the international level, especially in big tournaments, makes him a strong contender for the opening spot.
Fakhar’s ODI Stats:
| Format | Matches | Innings | Not Outs | Runs | Highest Score (HS) | Average (Ave) | Balls Faced (BF) | Strike Rate (SR) | 100s | 50s | 4s | 6s | Catches (Ct) | Stumpings (St) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ODIs | 82 | 81 | 6 | 3492 | 210* | 46.56 | 3737 | 93.44 | 11 | 16 | 391 | 74 | 42 | 0 |
Imam ul Haq
Despite being a decent limited overs opener, Imam ul Haq has been overlooked for the international team in recent years. With over 3,000 runs and an average of nearly 50 in ODIs, Imam has been a consistent performer at the top of the order, and his ability to anchor innings could provide the team with stability. His only downside is his low-ish strike rate and his woeful performances in major tournaments.
Imam’s ODI Stats:
| Format | Matches | Innings | Not Outs | Runs | Highest Score (HS) | Average (Ave) | Balls Faced (BF) | Strike Rate (SR) | 100s | 50s | 4s | 6s | Catches (Ct) | Stumpings (St) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ODIs | 72 | 71 | 6 | 3138 | 151 | 48.27 | 3801 | 82.55 | 9 | 20 | 253 | 30 | 15 | 0 |
Abdullah Shafique
Abdullah Shafique has endured a nightmare run with the bat in recent series and he was widely expected to be dropped from the upcoming tri-series and the Champions Trophy squads. However, if Saim Ayub fails to regain fitness ahead of the Champions Trophy, Abdullah Shafique could stay put.
He has a proven track record at home and with games taking place on batting tracks, the right-hander may be able to deliver on his promising career once again.
Abdullah’s ODI Stats:
| Format | Matches | Innings | Not Outs | Runs | Highest Score (HS) | Average (Ave) | Balls Faced (BF) | Strike Rate (SR) | 100s | 50s | 4s | 6s | Catches (Ct) | Stumpings (St) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ODIs | 21 | 21 | 2 | 612 | 113 | 32.21 | 747 | 81.92 | 1 | 6 | 54 | 17 | 10 | 0 |
Mohammad Hurraira
Mohammad Hurraira has shown significant potential in his appearances in Pakistan’s domestic scene. The 22-year-old has impressed in domestic competitions where he has built a reputation for being a versatile batter. Although he has only played 26 List A fixtures, his potential is widely regarded in Pakistan cricket circles.
Hurraira’s List A Stats:
| Format | Matches | Innings | Not Outs | Runs | Highest Score (HS) | Average (Ave) | Balls Faced (BF) | Strike Rate (SR) | 100s | 50s | 4s | 6s | Catches (Ct) | Stumpings (St) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| List A | 26 | 26 | 3 | 658 | 100* | 28.60 | 783 | 84.03 | 1 | 1 | 81 | 10 | 16 | 0 |
Who Will It Be?
With the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 approaching, Pakistan’s selectors face pivotal decisions regarding the team lineup. As the tournament draws closer, the selectors will meticulously assess the available options to ensure a balanced squad that aligns with the tournament’s demands. While Saim Ayub’s readiness remains uncertain, the battle among four promising contenders for his potential replacement is bound to captivate fans, keeping them eagerly anticipating the final decision.
