Jason Gillespie Spots Saeed Anwar 2.0 in Saim Ayub: Former Australian fast bowler and ex-Pakistan head coach Jason Gillespie has lauded young Pakistani opener Saim Ayub, drawing comparisons between the rising star and Pakistan’s legendary batsman Saeed Anwar. Gillespie, who stepped down as Pakistan’s coach last year, expressed his admiration for Ayub during a recent social media interaction, highlighting the 22-year-old’s immense potential.
Saim Ayub, who turns 23 soon, is currently showcasing his skills for Peshawar Zalmi in the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 2025 season. This marks his return to competitive cricket after recovering from an injury sustained during Pakistan’s Test tour of South Africa earlier this year. His comeback has been highly anticipated, given his explosive performances in recent months.
Gillespie, known for his keen eye for talent, didn’t hold back in praising Ayub, stating, “Saeed Anwar was one of the greatest players. I see some of him in Saim Ayub.” This comparison holds significant weight, as Anwar is regarded as one of Pakistan’s finest openers, renowned for his elegant stroke play and match-winning abilities.
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Ayub made his international debut in March 2023 during a T20I against Afghanistan and has since become a key player across all formats. In just over two years, he has played eight Tests, nine ODIs, and 27 T20Is, amassing 1,377 runs with five half-centuries and three ODI centuries. His aggressive yet stylish batting has earned him a reputation as one of Pakistan’s most exciting prospects.
His strike rates—105.53 in ODIs and nearly 138 in T20Is—reflect his ability to dominate bowling attacks. Late last year, Ayub was instrumental in Pakistan’s historic ODI series victories in Australia and South Africa, finishing as the team’s top scorer with 360 runs across six matches.
As Peshawar Zalmi gears up for their clash against Multan Sultans on April 19, all eyes will be on Ayub, who will open alongside senior batsman Babar Azam. Fans and experts alike will be eager to see if he can replicate his international form in the PSL and further cement his place as Pakistan’s next big batting star.
With Gillespie’s endorsement and a skill set reminiscent of Saeed Anwar, Saim Ayub is poised to carve out a legacy of his own in Pakistan cricket. If he continues on this trajectory, he could well become the next great opener for the Men in Green.
