Mushtaq Ahmed Reflects on Saim Ayub’s PSL 10 Performance

MULTAN: Mushtaq Ahmed, the bowling coach for Peshawar Zalmi, has stated that it may have been an error to rush young opener Saim Ayub back into the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 10 lineup without sufficient preparation following his injury recovery.

In a recent interview, Mushtaq highlighted that players need adequate match practice to regain their form and fitness after recovering from an injury.

“Net sessions alone are not sufficient for a player returning from an injury. Proper match practice is essential to regain rhythm,” Mushtaq stated.

He emphasized the significance of simulating real-game conditions to assist players in rebuilding their confidence and competitive edge.

Reflecting on Ayub’s situation, Mushtaq admitted that the coaching staff should have implemented further steps to ease the left-handed batter back into high-pressure cricket.

“We should have facilitated Saim’s participation in club-level matches or internal practice games before immediately including him in the PSL,” he remarked.

Mushtaq also voiced regret over the choice, acknowledging it was a misjudgment to thrust Saim into competitive play without ample preparation.

“Unfortunately, that did not occur, and now we are observing the ramifications of not providing him enough match time before the competition,” he added.

Saim Ayub, who initially impressed with a half-century in his opening PSL 10 match, has faced consistency challenges since then. His drop in form has coincided with Peshawar Zalmi’s inconsistent performances, particularly at the top of their batting order.

Prior to joining Peshawar Zalmi for PSL 10, the left-handed batter was sidelined from crucial series and tournaments due to an injury sustained during the 2024 South Africa Test series.

Consequently, he was absent from the home tri-nation ODI series against South Africa and New Zealand, the Champions Trophy 2025, and the white-ball series against New Zealand.