Pakistani cricket fans have received a significant boost ahead of the 10th edition of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) as opening batters Fakhar Zaman and Saim Ayub are expected to regain fitness in time for the tournament. Both players, who were ruled out of the ongoing Champions Trophy 2025 due to injuries, are making steady progress in their recovery, with their respective franchises optimistic about their participation in PSL 10, scheduled to begin in April.
Read More: PSL 10 Schedule Announced, Tournament to Start on April 11
Injury Setbacks and Current Recovery Status
Saim Ayub’s Ankle Injury
Saim Ayub, one of Pakistan’s most promising young batters, suffered a fractured right ankle while playing in the Test series against South Africa earlier this year. Following a surgical procedure in January, medical experts prescribed at least six weeks of rest, ruling him out of the Champions Trophy.
According to a statement from the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), Ayub’s rehabilitation is progressing as planned. A senior PCB medical official commented, “Saim Ayub’s recovery has been closely monitored, and we are optimistic that he will be fit to play in the PSL.” Ayub, who represents Peshawar Zalmi in the PSL, is expected to rejoin the squad before the tournament commences.
Fakhar Zaman’s Intercostal Muscle Injury
Fakhar Zaman, a seasoned left-handed opener, suffered a left lower intercostal muscle injury during Pakistan’s opening game of the Champions Trophy against New Zealand. He was subsequently ruled out of the remainder of the tournament to prevent aggravating the condition.
A spokesperson from Lahore Qalandars, Zaman’s PSL franchise, confirmed that he is undergoing rehabilitation and will resume training soon. Fakhar is making good progress. He has started light fitness work and will gradually return to batting practice in the coming weeks,” said the team’s physiotherapist.
Absence from Pakistan’s Tour of New Zealand
Despite their improving fitness levels, both players have been left out of Pakistan’s upcoming tour of New Zealand, which consists of five T20 Internationals (T20Is) and three One-Day Internationals (ODIs) beginning on March 16. The decision to exclude them is seen as a precautionary measure to ensure full recovery before the PSL.
According to national team selectors, “The decision to rest Fakhar and Saim for the New Zealand series was made in consultation with medical experts. The priority is to have them fully fit for PSL 10 and beyond.” Their absence from the New Zealand series indicates that team management is keen on allowing them ample time for recovery rather than rushing their return.
Impact on PSL Franchises
The return of Fakhar Zaman and Saim Ayub will be a significant boost for their respective PSL teams:
- Fakhar Zaman – Lahore Qalandars: As one of the most explosive openers in PSL history, Zaman’s presence at the top of the order has been crucial for Lahore Qalandars. He has been instrumental in their previous campaigns, including their title-winning run. In PSL 9, he scored 365 runs at a strike rate of 140. His return will provide the team with much-needed stability and aggression in the powerplay overs.
- Saim Ayub – Peshawar Zalmi: Ayub has been a rising star in the T20 format, showing glimpses of brilliance in domestic and international cricket.
- In PSL 9, he amassed 303 runs at an average of 33.66, playing a key role in Peshawar Zalmi’s top-order strength. His anticipated return means Zalmi will have an explosive combination alongside captain Babar Azam, making them one of the most formidable opening pairs in the league.
PSL 10: Schedule and Expectations
The PCB recently announced the official schedule for PSL 10, which will run concurrently with the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025. The tournament kicks off on April 11 with Islamabad United facing Lahore Qalandars in Rawalpindi. The final will take place on May 18 at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium.
This season is expected to be highly competitive, with franchises having strengthened their squads through the PSL draft. The addition of international stars, combined with Pakistan’s top domestic talent, promises a high-quality tournament.
Challenges and Fitness Tests Before PSL
While both players are on track to return, their full fitness will still be assessed before they step onto the field.
A former PCB chief selector emphasized the importance of caution: “Returning from injury is always a challenge, especially in high-intensity tournaments like the PSL. Fakhar and Saim will likely undergo fitness tests before being cleared to play.” This means that while their franchises are optimistic, their final participation will depend on medical evaluations closer to the tournament.
What’s Next?
For now, fans can expect both players to gradually increase their training workload over the next few weeks. While their return to competitive cricket seems likely, it will ultimately depend on their ability to prove match fitness before the start of PSL 10.
If they make successful comebacks, it will not only benefit their PSL franchises but also strengthen Pakistan’s squad ahead of the T20 World Cup later this year. As their recovery progresses, all eyes will be on how they reintegrate into full-time cricket and whether they can regain their top form in time for the tournament.
