Pakistan's Fakhar Zaman, Saim Ayub ruled out of Australia ODIs

By Parth Dhall

May 20, 2026 01:16 pm

What's the story

Pakistan's cricket team has suffered a major blow ahead of the impending ODI series against Australia. Star openers Fakhar Zaman and Saim Ayub have been ruled out due to injuries. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) announced that both players are still recovering and have been advised to continue their rehabilitation programs under the supervision of PCB's medical panel.

Recovery process

Nature of injuries not disclosed

The nature of Zaman and Ayub's injuries has not been revealed by the PCB, nor have they given an estimated recovery time. However, sources suggest that both players are dealing with knee and ankle injuries. Zaman has a history of missing games due to a chronic knee problem, while Ayub is said to have aggravated his ankle injury during the Pakistan Super League (PSL). Ayub had also previously fractured his right ankle while fielding in the 2nd Test against South Africa last year.

Match history

Last ODI appearance for Zaman and Ayub

The last time Zaman and Ayub played an ODI was in November last year against Sri Lanka at home. Pakistan lost the ODI series 1-2 in Bangladesh, where neither player was part of the squad. The PCB is yet to announce their replacements for the upcoming three-match ODI series against Australia, which starts on May 30 in Rawalpindi.

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Information

A look at their numbers

Zaman has been one of Pakistan's most experienced batters in the current lot. He owns 3,861 runs from 92 ODIs at 45.42, including a historic double-century. Meanwhile, Ayub has emerged as a talented opener, scoring 751 runs from 17 games at 46.93.

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