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Pakistan’s rising all-format opener, Saim Ayub, faces a potential setback, possibly missing the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy. An ankle injury sustained during the second Test against South Africa has sidelined him for six weeks. His participation in the Cape Town Test is over.
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) released a statement Saturday confirming the injury. Ayub underwent MRIs and other tests. Doctors recommended a six-week rest period.
The injury occurred while fielding on the boundary during the first day of the second Test.
“He has a right ankle fracture injury which will take at least six weeks to heal,” a board official said.
Ayub’s ankle is currently in a medical moon boot to aid recovery.
The six-week recovery timeline means he will also miss the two-Test series against the West Indies later this month. His participation in the tri-series featuring South Africa and New Zealand in February is also in doubt. The Champions Trophy, hosted by Pakistan and Dubai, begins February 19th.
Possible replacements for Ayub include Imam-ul-Haq for the Test matches and Fakhar Zaman for the One Day Internationals.
The 22-year-old left-handed batsman has enjoyed a successful run recently. He scored three centuries during tours of Australia, Zimbabwe, and South Africa. This includes two centuries during Pakistan’s 3-0 ODI series sweep against South Africa.
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