Former Australian captain and two-time ODI World Cup champion Ricky Ponting has hailed Saim Ayub as a future cricketing star. Following Saim’s brilliant performance in the first ODI against South Africa, the International Cricket Council (ICC) reshared a video from May 2024 featuring Ponting’s glowing remarks about the young batter.
Impressed by Saim Ayub’s Talent
In the video, Ponting expressed his admiration for Saim Ayub’s batting skills, recalling how he first noticed the player during Australia’s last season. “I saw Saim Ayub batting last season in Australia, and I was really impressed by his technique and composure,” Ponting said. He added that he initially spotted Saim during a match, possibly at the Sydney Test, and admitted that at the time, he didn’t know much about him.
A Growing Interest in Saim Ayub’s Journey
As Ponting transitioned into his commentary role, he began gathering more information about emerging players, including Saim. “Now that I’m doing commentary, I enjoy researching players and understanding what they are accomplishing,” Ponting stated. His curiosity led him to explore Saim’s performances in domestic and franchise cricket.
Stellar Performances in the PSL
Ponting highlighted Saim Ayub’s impactful innings during the Pakistan Super League (PSL), describing him as a “complete batter.” He said, “After watching some of his PSL innings, I realized how versatile and composed he is. I genuinely believe Saim is on the path to becoming a major star in cricket.”
ICC’s Tribute to Saim Ayub
Saim Ayub’s exceptional performance in the ODI series against South Africa has once again brought Ponting’s remarks into the spotlight. The ICC’s decision to reshare the video underlines the growing recognition of Saim’s talent on the global stage.
A Promising Career Ahead
Saim Ayub’s journey from domestic cricket to international recognition has been nothing short of remarkable. With legends like Ricky Ponting acknowledging his potential, the young batter’s future looks exceptionally bright. Fans and cricketing experts alike are eagerly anticipating his continued rise in the world of cricket.
