Saim Ayub has reclaimed the No. 1 spot among T20 all‑rounders in the latest International Cricket Council (ICC) rankings, a milestone that has sparked celebrations among cricket fans in Pakistan and beyond
His climb to the top is backed by a career‑best rating of 295 points, overtaking competitors like Sikandar Raza of Zimbabwe.
The 23‑year-old left-handed batter and part‑time off-spinner earned this accolade thanks to his strong all‑round showing during recent T20 matches, most notably in Pakistan’s series against Sri Lanka. There, Ayub took eight wickets in seven games and accompanied his bowling with valuable batting contributions.
It’s not only Ayub who has surged. Mohammad Nawaz also made significant gains, climbing to No. 4 in the all‑rounder rankings with a rating of 218 points, his best yet. This reflects both his bat and ball contributions in recent outings.
On the bowling side, Abrar Ahmed improved his standing too, now ranked fourth among T20 bowlers with a rating of 691, just shy of Afghanistan’s top‑ranked spinner.
Cricket analysts say Ayub’s rise shows the value of versatility in modern T20 cricket, being able to contribute with both bat and ball. For Pakistan, this could be a crucial asset: a player who can change the game with a quick wicket or a quick-fire knock, or both.
As tournaments continue and pressure rises, many will be watching: can Saim Ayub maintain his form to stay at the top? For now, at least, he’s proved his all‑round value on the world stage.
