PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi has virtually ruled out the participation of young opener Saim Ayub in the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy due to an ankle injury.
Saim is currently undergoing treatment in London after fracturing his ankle on the first day of the second Test against South Africa earlier this month in Cape Town.
Naqvi assured that no risk would be taken with Saim's future and he is personally monitoring the player's rehabilitation progress.
"I am in touch with his doctors on daily basis and his ankle plaster will come off in next few days," Naqvi said.
"But it will take time for his complete recovery and we are not going to risk his future career just for the Champions Trophy. He is our asset and we him fully fit whatever time is required. I am personally monitoring his progress," Naqvi said.
The Pakistani selectors have delayed naming their Champions Trophy squad as they await news on Saim's availability for the mega event, which will be held in Pakistan and Dubai from February 19.
Saim, who was named in the ICC's ODI team of the year, showcased brilliant form in South Africa, scoring two ODI hundreds before sustaining the injury near the boundary line.
Initially given a six-week recovery timeline, the PCB sent Saim for check-ups with specialist sports injury orthopaedic surgeons who are monitoring his recovery process.
Fakhar Zaman, who scored a century when Pakistan defeated India in the final of the 2017 Champions Trophy, is set to replace Saim in the squad. Meanwhile, Shan Masood and Imam-ul-Haq are under consideration to replace Abdullah Shafique.
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