Saim Ayub Axed: Pakistan Reacts to Asia Cup Flop with Test Squad Omission

Pakistan all-rounder Saim Ayub has lost his place in the Test squad after a horrid run in the Asia Cup 2025. Ayub, who was a regular part of the Test side before his ankle injury earlier this year, was not named in Pakistan's extended 18-member Test squad for the series against South Africa.

The snub comes after Saim had a torrid time in the Asia Cup 2025. Out of the seven matches that he played in the tournament, Ayub scored ducks in four of them. The left-hander's top performance came against India in the Super 4 fixture, where he scored 21 runs in a losing cause.

Ayub was criticised for his batting performance throughout the tournament and forced Pakistan into a combination change at the top of the order. However, the all-rounder somewhat made up for his poor show with the bat through his bowling performances. Saim picked up eight wickets in the tournament and was economical as well.

Last time Saim played a Test match, he had twisted his ankle in the 7th over of the New Year's game against South Africa. He had to be stretchered out of the field and did not take further part in the game. Saim subsequently missed the Champions Trophy and Pakistan's Test series against West Indies.

Pakistan's Squad for South Africa Tests

Shan Masood (captain), Aamir Jamal, Abdullah Shafique, Abrar Ahmed, Asif Afridi, Babar Azam, Faisal Akram, Hasan Ali, Imam-ul-Haq, Kamran Ghulam, Khurram Shahzad, Mohammad Rizwan (wicket-keeper), Noman Ali, Rohail Nazir (wicket-keeper), Sajid Khan, Salman Ali Agha, Saud Shakeel, and Shaheen Shah Afridi

Pakistan will play two Test matches against World Test Champions South Africa. They are expected to prepare turning tracks once again, similar to those that helped them secure a series win against England last year.

The hosts have named three uncapped players in their line-up: Asif Afridi, Faisal Akram, and Rohail Nazir. The first Test match will be played in Lahore, while the second will be held in Rawalpindi. The two-match Test series will be followed by three T20Is and as many ODIs, scheduled from October 28 to November 8.

The Pakistan Cricket Board, in its release, announced that players will undergo training under red-ball head coach Azhar Mahmood in a pre-series camp starting September 30. The camp will continue until October 8. Players who were part of Pakistan’s Asia Cup squad will join the camp on October 4.