Saim Ayub’s absence a “Massive Gap” for Pakistan in Champions Trophy, says Ricky Ponting

Pakistan will have to navigate the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 without one of their most promising young talents, Saim Ayub, a setback that former Australian captain Ricky Ponting believes will be a “massive gap to fill” for the team. The 22-year-old opener has been ruled out for at least 10 weeks due to an injury sustained in England, making him unavailable for Pakistan’s Champions Trophy title defense at home.

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) confirmed Ayub’s absence last week, though he remains in contention for selection in Pakistan’s white-ball tour of New Zealand in March.

Ponting, speaking on The ICC Review, lavished praise on Ayub’s talent, emphasizing the loss Pakistan faces with his omission.

“Saim Ayub is a high-quality player, and his absence is a massive gap to fill,” Ponting stated.

Since making his ODI debut in 2024 against Australia, Ayub has impressed in nine matches, amassing 515 runs at a strike rate of 105.53. His performances have included three centuries and a half-century, showcasing his ability to dominate in the 50-over format.

While acknowledging Ayub’s absence as a major setback, Ponting pointed out that Pakistan’s strength lies in its bowling attack, led by two of the world’s most lethal pacers, Shaheen Afridi and Naseem Shah.

“Pakistan’s fast bowling brigade is very, very good. Led by Shaheen Afridi and Naseem Shah, who’ve been terrific in recent series, they have the pace and skill to trouble any batting line-up,” Ponting noted.

He also highlighted the importance of Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan stepping up with the bat, stating that if the two star batters find form, Pakistan will be “incredibly dangerous” in the tournament.

“Babar has been a bit up and down in recent years, but if he and Rizwan can bring their A-games, that’s when Pakistan becomes incredibly dangerous,” he added.

Pakistan won the last Champions Trophy in 2017, stunning India in the final to claim their first-ever title in the tournament’s history. As hosts of the 2025 edition, Pakistan will aim to capitalize on home advantage despite Ayub’s absence.

The Mohammad Rizwan-led team will open their Champions Trophy campaign against New Zealand on February 19 in Karachi. Their second group-stage match is the much-anticipated clash against India in Dubai on February 23, before they wrap up the group stage against Bangladesh in Rawalpindi.

With Ayub sidelined, Rizwan and Babar will need to take on extra responsibility, while the bowling attack, spearheaded by Shaheen and Naseem, will be expected to carry Pakistan’s title defense forward. The tournament will be a key test for Pakistan as they aim to overcome setbacks and reclaim their status as one of the strongest white-ball teams in world cricket.

Pakistan’s Group Stage Fixtures:

February 19 – Pakistan vs New Zealand, Karachi.
February 23 – Pakistan vs India, Dubai.
February 27 – Pakistan vs Bangladesh, Rawalpindi.

Pakistan squad:

Mohammad Rizwan (c), Babar Azam, Fakhar Zaman, Kamran Ghulam, Saud Shakeel, Tayyab Tahir, Faheem Ashraf, Khushdil Shah, Salman Ali Agha, Usman Khan, Abrar Ahmed, Haris Rauf, Mohammad Hasnain, Naseem Shah, Shaheen Shah Afridi.