Ricky Ponting’s audacious assertions about Saim Ayub’s capabilities have reappeared in the days after Pakistan’s 2024 T20 World Cup elimination. The 22-year-old is a “proper player and a star in the making,” according to the former captain of Australia, who made these remarks to The ICC Review earlier this month.

Referring to Pakistan’s Test series against Australia between late 2023 and early this year, Ponting added, “I loved the look of Ayub out here during the Australian summer.

I believe he played in the Sydney Test match, although I didn’t know anything about him at the time. I want to learn about players and their abilities while I’m sitting there commentating, so I actually went back and looked at some of his PSL work. He’s also a legitimate player. He has the makings of a true star, in my opinion.

Ponting found Ayub’s aggressive cricket approach to be impressive. However, since the tour of Australia, Ayub has not been able to leave a lasting impression.

Only T20 internationals had the young player play for Pakistan. With a strike rate of 122.13 and an average of 14.71, he has scored 309 runs in 23 games. He did not perform to the level expected of him in the 2024 T20 World Cup. In two games, the native of Karachi was only able to score 23 runs. At a strike rate of 79.31 and an average of 11.50, he reached the target.

While Ponting believed that Ayub had the potential to be a significant asset for Pakistan, Ramiz Raja had other ideas. Before the T20 World Cup, Ramiz had discussed on his YouTube channel how Ayub had failed to provide Pakistan with regular success, only showcasing flashes of brilliance.

“I don’t think Saim Ayub gives you security; he shows flashes of brilliance,” he reportedly stated. It makes little sense to break Rizwan and Babar’s opening partnership if you can’t get 50 off 30 balls.

Raja’s predictions seem to have come true so far, as Pakistan exited the T20 World Cup early. Pakistan lost early to the co-hosts, the United States, and its bitter foe, India, due to a number of issues, including Ayub’s lack of influence.

Despite winning their subsequent matches against Canada and Ireland, Pakistan was unable to secure a spot in the Super Eight.

Despite winning their subsequent matches against Canada and Ireland, Pakistan was unable to secure a spot in the Super Eight.