Pakistan’s rising cricket star Saim Ayub has evolved from a specialist top-order batter into a dependable all-rounder, tracing his journey back to his PSL days with Peshawar Zalmi.
Ayub first caught attention during PSL 2023, scoring 341 runs in 12 innings at an average of 28.41 and a strike rate of 165.53. These performances fast-tracked his selection into Pakistan’s senior men’s team.
However, it was the following PSL season that defined Ayub’s career shift. The 23-year-old began contributing with the ball, claiming eight wickets in nine innings at an average of 22.37. This emergence as a utility player enhanced his value both for Peshawar Zalmi and Pakistan.
Since then, Saim Ayub has become a reliable all-round option across formats. He has taken 34 international wickets, with notable success in T20Is where he picked up 21 wickets in 28 innings. His T20I bowling average of 24.33 and an economy of 6.90 helped him top the ICC T20I all-rounder rankings in October, surpassing India’s Hardik Pandya.
Currently playing for Sylhet Titans in the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) 2025–26, Ayub reflected on his transition in an exclusive interview. He credited the PSL experience and support from domestic and international coaches for his growth.
“I used to bowl a little in club cricket, but PSL helped me a lot,” said Saim Ayub. “When I joined the Pakistan team, coaches believed in me and worked on my technical and tactical skills.”
Ayub also praised Pakistan’s bowling coach, Ashley Noffke, for refining his bowling craft. “He’s Australian and a great coach. I’ve learned a lot from his guidance,” Ayub added.
With his consistent performances, both with bat and ball, Saim Ayub is now regarded as one of Pakistan’s brightest all-round prospects, offering balance and depth to the national team across formats.
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