• Saim Ayub received unprecedented support.
• Salman Butt emphasized it’s Saim’s responsibility to deliver now.
• Butt acknowledged lack of middle-order performers.

Salman Butt, the former opening batsman for Pakistan, has highlighted the unprecedented level of trust that the Pakistani cricket management has placed in Saim Ayub, despite his underwhelming performances after numerous opportunities.

At the age of 21, Saim has participated in 18 innings, accumulating only 284 runs with an average of 15.77 and a strike rate of 130.87. His inclusion in the World Cup squad was uncertain, yet he was ultimately selected.

Butt, with 135 international caps for Pakistan, pointed out that Saim Ayub has continued to receive support from the management for the T20 World Cup, emphasizing that it’s now his responsibility to meet expectations.

“Saim Ayub is the lucky one because in 20 innings, he couldn’t perform as per the expectations yet the management has shown faith in him which is a big thing. I don’t think you’ll ever see a player who was given as many chances in Pakistan’s history,” Butt remarked on his YouTube channel.

“I think his luck and credit to the management who has shown this much trust in him. Now it’s his job to deliver.”

Discussing the Pakistani team, Butt mentioned the lack of middle-order performers, but affirmed that the chosen squad is the best possible given the circumstances.

“I guess, Haris Rauf is now fit enough to play in the World Cup so they released Hasan Ali. Usman Khan burned all the bridges [by opting to play for Pakistan] so I think he got the reward for that,” Butt commented.

“And you don’t have any performer in the middle order so whatever you have is in front of you, I think this [squad] is the best we have from the available options.”

As the World Cup approaches, there are high expectations for Saim, who has been recognized as a top talent recently. His impressive 478 runs in the Caribbean Premier League (CPL) 2023 and his experience on West Indian pitches may prove beneficial in the upcoming tournament.

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