Pakistan’s young cricketer Saim Ayub has shared how an unexpected focus on bowling helped him become one of the most valuable players in international T20 cricket.
Speaking in a recent interview, the 23-year-old said that working closely with Pakistan’s new bowling coach changed the direction of his career. Once known mainly for his aggressive batting, Ayub is now ranked as the world’s top T20I allrounder, according to ICC rankings.
Until mid-2025, Ayub was seen only as a powerful top-order batter. In his first 27 T20 internationals, he bowled just five overs. Even in the Pakistan Super League (PSL), he rarely used his spin. His name was linked with fearless stroke play and fast starts during the powerplay.
Things began to change when former Australian fast bowler Ashley Noffke joined Pakistan’s coaching staff. Although appointed as a bowling coach for pacers, Noffke noticed potential in Ayub’s part-time spin. Ayub admitted he had never taken bowling seriously before and had only bowled casually in club cricket.
Within four months, his role in the team transformed. At the Asia Cup, Ayub emerged as one of Pakistan’s most economical bowlers. In the closely fought match against India, he was Pakistan’s standout bowler, even though the team lost in the final over.
Since then, Ayub has bowled more regularly in T20Is. From May 2025 onward, he has delivered more overs than most of his teammates and is now among Pakistan’s leading wicket-takers in the format. He has become effective in both the powerplay and middle overs, using variations such as the wrong’un, flipper, and carrom ball.
Ayub said selection is never fully in a player’s control, but hard work and belief are. “Getting into the team was not my decision, and leaving it won’t be either,” he said. “The only thing I control is my work and belief. The goal is not just to stay in the team, but to become an elite cricketer.”
His journey has not been smooth. Early in his career, he struggled in the PSL, scoring only 114 runs in his first season at the age of 18. He later admitted he felt overwhelmed moving from Under-19 cricket to facing top international bowlers in packed stadiums.
After being dropped from the national side, Ayub rebuilt his confidence through domestic cricket. In 2024, he returned strongly in the Caribbean Premier League, finishing just three runs short of becoming the tournament’s top scorer and helping Guyana Amazon Warriors win the title.
He then made a powerful comeback to international cricket with a quick eight-ball 27 against New Zealand at Eden Park during a record chase. That fearless innings helped cement his place in the team.
Even when his batting form dipped at the Asia Cup, where he managed only 37 runs in seven matches, his improved bowling ensured he remained a key part of the squad.
Looking ahead to the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup in Sri Lanka, Ayub said he does not see himself as more important than others. He stressed that his role will depend on pitch conditions and team strategy.
Saim Ayub’s rise as a T20 all-rounder highlights how adaptability and hard work can reshape a player’s career. From being known only as a power hitter to becoming Pakistan’s top-ranked T20I allrounder, his journey reflects growth, resilience, and belief in continuous improvement.
