CENTURION, South Africa (AP) — Pakistan’s all-format opening batsman Saim Ayub has been sidelined from cricket for a minimum of six weeks due to a fractured ankle, casting doubt on his availability for the upcoming Champions Trophy next month. Ayub sustained the injury by twisting his right ankle while fielding on the first day of the final test against South Africa and had to be stretchered off the field on Friday.
According to a statement issued by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) on Saturday, an MRI conducted on Friday afternoon confirmed the fracture. Despite the setback, Ayub will continue to remain with the team before traveling back to Pakistan next week for further evaluation and treatment.
Ayub’s absence poses a significant setback for Pakistan, considering his impressive recent form, particularly in white-ball cricket, where he notched up two centuries during Pakistan’s clean sweep of South Africa in the ODI series last month. The timing of his injury also raises doubts over his participation in the Champions Trophy scheduled to commence on February 19 in Karachi, with Pakistan facing New Zealand in the opening match.
Expressing concern over Ayub’s injury, Pakistan all-rounder Salman Ali Agha remarked that it is a major blow to Pakistan’s aspirations of leveling the ongoing two-test series in South Africa. Following South Africa’s strong start with a score of 316-4 on the first day of the second test, Salman lamented Ayub’s absence, highlighting the impact his form could have had on the match. “It’s a big blow, the kind of form he’s in,” said Salman on Friday. “He would have been a great asset on this wicket. I wish him well and hopefully he’ll be better soon.”
The injury to Ayub not only disrupts Pakistan’s immediate plans but also raises concerns over his long-term availability and recovery process. The PCB will be closely monitoring his rehabilitation and progress to determine his suitability for future fixtures.
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