Pakistan’s promising opening batter, Saim Ayub, has been sidelined for up to six weeks after fracturing his ankle, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) confirmed in an official statement on Saturday.
Ayub sustained the injury while fielding in the deep third man during the seventh over of the opening day of the Cape Town Test. He twisted his right ankle, prompting immediate medical attention. The PCB stated that an MRI scan, conducted on Friday afternoon, confirmed the fracture, and as a result, Ayub has been fitted with an Ankle Medical Moon Boot for immobilization.
The injury means Ayub will not participate further in the ongoing Test match and has been ruled out of competitive cricket for the next six weeks. Despite his absence from the match, Ayub will remain with the team and travel back to Pakistan alongside the squad once the match concludes.
This injury is a significant setback for the 22-year-old batter, who has garnered attention for his aggressive and innovative style of batting across all formats. His absence from the field is particularly concerning for Pakistan, with the ICC Champions Trophy just around the corner, set to be held in Pakistan in about a month and a half.
The PCB expressed full support for Ayub’s recovery, with plans in place for his rehabilitation and a hopeful return to competitive cricket once he has fully recovered.
