Explained: Why Pakistan dropped Saim Ayub and picked Imam-ul-Haq for SA Tests

Debashis Sarangi

Saim Ayub and Imam-ul-Haq [Source: AFP]Saim Ayub and Imam-ul-Haq [Source: AFP]

In a major development, the PCB unveiled Pakistan's 18-member squad for the upcoming Test series against South Africa. While Shan Masood was retained as Pakistan's Test captain, the PCB ignored Saim Ayub and picked veteran batter Imam-ul-Haq for the series, raising a million eyebrows. 

Why Pakistan chose Imam over Saim for SA Tests

While Saim Ayub missed the West Indies Tests due to an injury that he sustained on the South Africa tour, his exclusion for the home series against South Africa is definitely surprising, considering he is fit and recently participated in the Asia Cup 2025. However, as the squad has been finalised, here are the reasons why the PCB chose Imam over him for the home series. 

Poor overall returns in Test cricket

Criterion
Data
Innings14
Runs364
Average26
50/1003/0

(Saim Ayub's poor numbers in Tests)

  • Despite being rated quite highly as an opener, Saim Ayub has been a major disappointment for Pakistan in Test cricket. 
  • In eight Tests, the southpaw has managed only 364 runs at a modest average of 26, slamming just three fifties across fourteen innings. 
  • More importantly, Saim failed with the bat in his last two consecutive Test series against England and South Africa, scoring 196 runs at a horrible average of 24.5. So, his overall poor performance is a major reason behind his exclusion from the South Africa series. 

Horrible batting form

  • Saim Ayub recently had a forgettable Asia Cup in the United Arab Emirates. Although he chipped in with crucial bowling spells, Ayub was far from his best with the bat, scoring only 37 runs across seven innings at an average of 5.29. 
  • The top-order batter's struggles against quality spin bowling was quite evident as he was dismissed by the spinners thrice in the Asia Cup. Considering the pitches at home will likely be spin-friendly, Pakistan took a bold call to replace Saim with Imam-ul-Haq, who averages 45.4 against the spinners in Test cricket. 

Imam-ul-Haq's phenomenal home record

Criterion
Data
Innings14
Runs814
Average62.62
50s/100s
4/3

(Imam's Test record at home)

  • Veteran batter Imam-ul-Haq has an exceptional record in home Tests. The gritty left-hander has played seven Tests in Pakistan, scoring 814 runs, including three hundreds and four fifties, at a superb average of 62.62. 
  • His patience and ability to counter South Africa's ruthless attack could make him a valuable asset for the hosts in the series. With Babar Azam and Shan Masood searching for form, Imam can be Pakistan's go-to man with the bat alongside Abdullah Shafique, Agha Salman, Saud Shakeel and Mohammad Rizwan.