Islamabad, April 5, 2025: Promising batter Saim Ayub has been declared fit to participate in PSL 2025 as Peshawar Zalmi confirmed his availability.
Peshawar Zalmi franchise owner Javed Afridi confirmed that the left-handed opener will be available from the very first match of the season.
Ayub had been sidelined since sustaining a serious ankle injury during two-match Test series against South Africa earlier this year.
Initially expected to miss six weeks, his recovery took longer than anticipated, forcing him to sit out of the Champions Trophy 2025 as well.
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The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) later arranged for advanced treatment in London to aid his rehabilitation.
There were concerns that Ayub might miss part of PSL 2025, but the confirmation of Afridi has brought relief to both fans and team management.
The 21-year-old is now set to rejoin Peshawar Zalmi for their opening clash against Quetta Gladiators on Saturday, April 12.
The absence of Ayub was felt during the recent white-ball series of New Zealand, where the national side endured a disappointing run.
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Without him, Pakistan struggled to find a stable opening pair, resulting in a 1-4 defeat in the T20I series followed by a 3-0 whitewash in the ODIs.
Several new faces were tested at the top of the order, but none managed to provide the consistency or flair that Ayub brings.
The new PSL season is scheduled to begin on Friday, April 11, with defending champions Islamabad United taking on Lahore Qalandars in the tournament opener.
With Ayub now back in the mix, Peshawar Zalmi will be hoping to make a strong start and mount a serious title challenge this year.
His return not only boosts the top order of Zalmi but also serves as a step towards his reintegration into the national side ahead of future assignments.
