Saim Ayub Mohsin Naqvi. Image Credits: AFP
Pakistan’s future prospect Saim Ayub has reportedly been snubbed by Hyderabad Kingsmen, as they are likely to appoint Hammad Azam as the captain of the team for the upcoming PSL 2026 season.
Hyderabad Kingsmen, owned by the US-based business group FKS consortium, are all set to play their maiden PSL season this year after winning the auction bid at PKR 1.75 billion earlier this year.
Hyderabad Kingsmen set to snub Saim Ayub for captaincy role
Ahead of the PSL 11 season, Hyderabad Kingsmen secured a well-balanced squad. However, the team has yet to announce their captain.
Since Saim Ayub is one of the hottest future prospects in Pakistan, Kingsmen were expected to trust him with the leadership role.
However, according to reports, the Hyderabad Kingsmen are most likely to appoint US-based cricketer Hammad Azam as captain for the PSL 2026 season.
Hammad Azam previously led the FKS consortium’s Minor League cricket team, the Chicago Kingsmen, and hence, the owners trust him to repeat the same in the PSL as well.
But in all this, Saim Ayub has faced a huge blow. He has often been considered Pakistan’s bright future. However, in the ICC T20 World Cup 2026, his form went downhill as he accumulated just 70 runs in 5 innings.
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Saim Ayub’s career graph hits a grave low
That being said, Saim Ayub has struggled with consistency for the last year. In the Asia Cup 2025, he scored 4 ducks and managed to accumulate just 37 runs in 7 innings.
The Pakistan opener has produced a few strong performances, including 56 vs Australia and an unbeaten 53* in domestic cricket, but has also recorded several low scores during the ICC T20 World Cup 2026.
While his batting has been inconsistent, Saim has contributed with the ball as well, taking 3/25 vs India and 2/7 vs Netherlands during the World Cup.
Hence, given his poor performance and inconsistency, the Hyderabad Kingsmen aren’t taking any chances with him in the captaincy role.
PSL embarrassed as Blessing Muzarabani pulls out
Meanwhile, Zimbabwe fast bowler Blessing Muzarabani has withdrawn from the PSL 2026 season after KKR offered him a contract for IPL 2026 as a replacement for Mustafizur Rahman.
Blessing had earlier signed a contract to play for Islamabad United. Because of this move, the PCB is now planning legal action against him, citing breach of contract.
The issue is becoming more common because the IPL and PSL now take place in the same window. This creates situations where players initially sign for PSL teams. Later, they receive better or last-minute IPL offers. Some then withdraw from the PSL.
This is not the first such controversy. Last year, Corbin Bosch left Peshawar Zalmi to join the Mumbai Indians as an injury replacement in the IPL. As punishment, PCB banned Bosch from PSL for one season, and he later apologised to the board.
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