Kamran Akmal: “Saim Ayub should bat for the next four to five years, and after that, he should contribute with his bowling”
Image taken by: Bimal Mirwani
Former Pakistan wicketkeeper Kamran Akmal wants opener Saim Ayub to be a specialist batsman for the next four to five years before transitioning into an all-rounder.
His comments come at a time when Ayub is starting to be utilised as a bowler since he is getting wickets with his off-spin.
However, given that the 23-year-old’s form in international cricket has been extremely turbulent thus far, Akmal wants him focusing on his batting so that he can score big runs.
“Saim Ayub should bat for the next four to five years, and after that, he should contribute with his bowling,” he was quoted as saying by A Sports.
During Pakistan’s T20I tri-series against the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Afghanistan, Ayub amassed 111 runs in five matches, which included a top score of 69, at an average of 22.20 and a strike-rate of 132.14.
He also took two wickets at an average of 42 and an economy rate of six.
The Karachi native just finished playing in the 2025 Asia Cup, where he endured a torrid time with the bat as he accumulated 37 runs in seven games at an average of 5.28 and a strike-rate of 97.36.
Bowling-wise, he did a lot better, claiming eight wickets at an average of 16 and an economy rate of 6.40.
Pakistan beat Oman and the UAE in the group stage, but also lost to India.
The men in green failed to defeat India again in the Super Four, but still managed to secure a spot in the final after triumphing over Sri Lanka and Bangladesh.
Pakistan took on India in the Asia Cup final and lost by five wickets.
Next up for Pakistan will be a home series against South Africa, which will include two Tests, three T20Is, and three ODIs that will take place from October 12 to November 8.
Pakistan squad for UAE T20I tri-series and 2025 Asia Cup: Salman Ali Agha (captain), Abrar Ahmed, Faheem Ashraf, Fakhar Zaman, Haris Rauf, Hasan Ali, Hasan Nawaz, Hussain Talat, Khushdil Shah, Mohammad Haris (wicketkeeper), Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Wasim Jnr, Sahibzada Farhan, Saim Ayub, Salman Mirza, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Sufiyan Muqeem
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