Former Pakistani opener Salman Butt talked about the “historic faith” Pakistan’s management has shown in Saim Ayub, who has not performed up to expectations despite getting many chances.
Saim, 21, has so far batted in 18 innings but he only managed to amass 284 runs at a mediocre average of 15.77 and 130.87 strike rate. There were doubts on whether he should be included in the World Cup squad but the left-hander was eventually announced in the squad.
Butt, who represented Pakistan in 135 international matches, was talking about Saim Ayub saying that despite not performing in many given chances, he has been backed by the management for the T20 World Cup and should deliver as it is his job.
“Saim Ayub is the lucky one because in 20 innings, he couldn’t perform as per the expectations yet the management has shown faith in him which is a big thing. I don’t think you’ll ever see a player who was given as many chances in Pakistan’s history,” Butt said while talking on his YouTube channel.
“I think his luck and credit to the management who has shown this much trust in him. Now it’s his job to deliver.”
He then talked about Pakistan’s squad saying that they don’t have any performers in the middle order but from the available options, this is the best the Green Shirts could have picked.
“I guess, Haris Rauf is now fit enough to play in the World Cup so they released Hasan Ali. Usman Khan burned all the bridges [by opting to play for Pakistan] so I think he got the reward for that,” Butt said.
“And you don’t have any performer in the middle order so whatever you have is in front of you, I think this [squad] is the best we have from the available options.”
With the World Cup around the corner, fans are expecting much from Saim, who emerged as one of the best talents in recent times. He amassed 478 runs in the Caribbean Premier League (CPL) 2023 in the West Indies and his experience of performing on their pitches could come in handy in the mega event.
- Saim Ayub