Shaheen: Saim Ayub’s Bowling Gives Pakistan Balance

At the captains’ press conference, the Pakistan skipper says the all-rounder is an important part of the ODI setup and that the team is united and focused on the World Cup.

RRohaanPublished 17 October 2026 at 17:44 PKT1 min read

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Shaheen: Saim Ayub’s Bowling Gives Pakistan Balance · Shaheen: Saim Ayub’s Bowling Gives Pakistan Balance

Captain Shaheen Afridi says Saim Ayub’s spin gives Pakistan’s ODI side balance, and that the team is united and focused on winning the World Cup.

Pakistan ODI captain Shaheen Shah Afridi has backed all-rounder Saim Ayub’s place in the national side, highlighting his bowling and his importance to the team’s combination ahead of the ODI tri-series against England and Sri Lanka. He was speaking at the captains’ press conference on Saturday, October 17.

Why Saim Matters

“Saim is very important for our ODI team,” Shaheen said. He explained that Saim’s spin gives Pakistan more flexibility in its bowling combinations and provides a cushion for the fast bowlers, especially when the side plays three or four pacers. He added that more opportunities in the 50-over format would help Saim perform for Pakistan, and noted that Saim moved straight from franchise T20 cricket to Test cricket during the England tour, which is not an easy switch.

Team Focus

Pakistan’s planning is focused on winning matches rather than analysing how other teams play.
Shaheen said the team is united and that all players are focused on how to win the World Cup.
He asked the media to also highlight the team’s collective effort and positive environment, so the public knows the side is united and trying to play good cricket.