In a major boost for Peshawar Zalmi ahead of the highly anticipated HBL Pakistan Super League (PSL) Season 10, star opening batter Saim Ayub has been declared fit to participate in the tournament, set to begin on April 11, 2025.
The 22-year-old left-hander, who had been recovering from an ankle injury sustained during Pakistan’s Test series against South Africa earlier this year, completed a month-long rehabilitation program in London. He has now returned to Pakistan and is ready to rejoin Zalmi’s squad just in time for the crucial buildup to the tournament.
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Ayub missed over six weeks of international cricket, including the ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025 and the New Zealand tour, due to the injury. His recovery included an intensive gym routine with balance-focused drills like single-leg squats, tightrope walks, and jumps.
Saim will be joined by wicketkeeper-batter Mohammad Haris, as both players are set to link up with the Zalmi squad today for their second day of training ahead of the team’s opening clash against Quetta Gladiators on April 12 at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium.
Peshawar Zalmi Begins Preparations With Full Squad
The Yellow Storm kicked off their training camp on Sunday with both international and domestic stars participating in rigorous net and field sessions. Among the latest arrivals is Afghan power-hitter Najibullah Zadran, who has also joined the squad and is expected to play a key role this season.
PSL 10 to Kick Off With Islamabad vs Lahore Clash
The 10th edition of the PSL will launch on April 11, with defending champions Islamabad United facing two-time winners Lahore Qalandars in a high-stakes opening match at Rawalpindi.
The tournament will feature six franchises playing a total of 34 matches across four venues—Lahore, Rawalpindi, Karachi, and Multan. Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium will host the playoffs and the grand final on May 18, while Rawalpindi will host the first Qualifier.
Ali Tareen Slams PCB’s Franchise Ownership Model
Meanwhile, controversy is brewing off the field as Multan Sultans owner Ali Tareen has voiced strong criticism of the Pakistan Cricket Board’s “rental model” for PSL franchises. Tareen claims that franchise owners lack true ownership and are bound by annual rental fees to maintain control.
“There is no room for foreign investment or long-term planning under the current structure,” Tareen said in a recent interview. He also warned that the PCB’s lack of transparency regarding the addition of new teams for PSL 11 could threaten the league’s stability.
Despite these concerns, the PCB has confirmed plans to expand the league to eight teams for the 2026 season, with announcements on new team ownership expected in due course.
