Saim Ayub out for six weeks after ankle fracture

Young batter's injury comes as Pakistan eye Champions Trophy preparations.

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Pakistan's opening batter, Saim Ayub, will miss up to six weeks of competitive cricket after fracturing his right ankle during the second Test against South Africa at Newlands on Friday.

The 22-year-old sustained the injury in the seventh over of the match’s opening day while fielding in the deep third-man region alongside teammate Aamir Jamal. Ayub lost his balance, stumbled backward, and twisted his ankle while attempting a relay fielding effort.

 

 

 

 

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Footage from the incident showed Ayub in visible discomfort as he sat on the ground, prompting immediate attention from the team’s medical staff. He was stretchered off the field and later taken to a nearby hospital for tests.

An MRI conducted Friday afternoon confirmed the fracture, leading to the immobilisation of his ankle with an Ankle Medical Moon Boot, according to a statement by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB).

The PCB announced that Ayub would not play further in the ongoing Test and would remain with the team before returning to Pakistan with the squad after the match.

The injury comes as a major setback for Pakistan, particularly with less than two months left before the ICC Champions Trophy, which is scheduled to take place in Pakistan.

Saim Ayub, celebrated for his aggressive and innovative batting across all formats, had been a key part of Pakistan’s plans ahead of the prestigious tournament.

The Cape Town Test marks the second game of the series against South Africa, with Pakistan aiming to level the series after a defeat in the opening match.

Previously, Saim Ayub was nominated for the prestigious ICC Men's Emerging Cricketer of the Year 2024 award, marking a significant achievement in his young career.