India, Sept. 13 -- Saim Ayub is considered by many to be the future of Pakistan cricket. Recently, top-order batter Fakhar Zaman called him an updated version of Babar Azam and praised his batting skills.

Ayub has played for Pakistan in eight Tests, 12 ODIs and 41 T20Is, His best performance in ODIs came in 2024 against South Africa, where he smacked two tons in a 3-0 cleansweep.

"Someone asked me in Lahore and I told him that he is Babar Azam's updated version," said Fakhar.

"He is a very different player and I think he has not yet shown 80 per cent of himself to the world."

Meanwhile, Pakistan head coach Mike Hesson said, "Look, Saim is a key player for us and we know that if Saim scores runs, we generally win."

"It's not so much c...