LAHORE: A major blow for Pakistan as in-form opening batter Saim Ayub was ruled out for up to six weeks from competitive cricket after his right ankle fractured during the Test against South Africa in Cape Town.
According to the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) statement, an MRI scan conducted on Friday confirmed the fracture, which has been immobilised in an ankle medical moon boot.
Ayub will not participate further in the ongoing Test but will remain with the team, the statement read.
Saim Ayub twisted his right ankle during fielding in the second Test match of the series against Proteas and was taken off the field.
While running behind the ball, the opening batter lost his balance and stumbled backward. The medical staff of the team intervened immediately to give him a brief medical.
Despite prolonged treatment in the stadium, Ayub was unable to feel any relief on his right ankle and was later taken to the hospital on a stretcher.
His exceptional performance earned him the nomination for the ICC Men’s Emerging Cricketer of the Year award 2024.
The emerging batter was ruled out ahead of Green Shirts’ packed schedule.
Pakistan will play two Test matches against the West Indies later this month, as well as a tri-series against South Africa and New Zealand at home in February.
Ayub’s injury has also risked his selection for the Champions Trophy 2025, which begins in Karachi on February 19, just over six weeks.
In recent months, Ayub played crucial roles in ODI series wins away in Australia, Zimbabwe, and South Africa. He scored two hundred in three matches against South Africa saw him named the Player of the Series.
