Champions Trophy: Ricky Ponting Says Saim Ayub’s Absence Will Be A “Massive Gap” For Pakistan

February 10, 2025: Ricky Ponting has expressed concern over the absence of Pakistan’s star batter, Saim Ayub, from the upcoming 2025 ICC Champions Trophy. The 22-year-old has been ruled out due to injury and will miss out on Pakistan’s title defense. Ponting called Ayub a “high-quality” cricketer and emphasized that his absence leaves a “massive gap.” Ayub made an impressive debut in 2024 and has scored 515 runs in nine ODIs with three centuries.

Ponting also praised Pakistan’s fast-bowling attack, highlighting Shaheen Afridi and Naseem Shah for their recent performances. He added that if Pakistan’s top order, including Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan, can fire, they would become a dangerous side.

The 2025 Champions Trophy will be held in Pakistan and the UAE, with Mohammad Rizwan leading the team after Babar Azam stepped down post-2023 World Cup. Pakistan’s fixtures include matches against New Zealand, India, and Bangladesh.

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