Pakistan’s young cricket sensation, Saim Ayub, has departed from Cape Town to London for specialist medical treatment after sustaining a right ankle fracture during the final Test match against South Africa.
The 22-year-old, accompanied by Assistant Coach Azhar Mahmood, is set to undergo a comprehensive examination by top orthopedic experts in England under the guidance of PCB.
Saim Ayub leaves for England with Azhar Mahmood for further treatment of his ankle injury.
Video via PCB pic.twitter.com/7YoFoGpCuF— Faizan Lakhani (@faizanlakhani) January 7, 2025
The injury occurred during the second test of the series in Cape Town when Saim Ayub was attempting to save a boundary at the deep third-man region. As he relayed the ball, Saim lost his footing and stumbled backward, leading to the painful ankle injury. The scans performed later that day confirmed a fracture, resulting in immediate medical intervention.
The medical team has outlined a six-week recovery period, which means Saim will miss several important fixtures, including the upcoming home Test series against the West Indies and the tri-series featuring South Africa and New Zealand. This setback is expected to be a significant blow to Pakistan’s preparations for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025.
Despite the setback, PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi has expressed full confidence in the treatment and recovery plan for Saim Ayub. Speaking about Saim’s injury, Naqvi called him a “valuable asset to Pakistan cricket” and reassured the fans and the cricketing community that all resources would be mobilized to ensure his swift recovery.
Saim Ayub has been a crucial figure in Pakistan’s squad, particularly in the limited-overs format. His absence is expected to be a significant gap in the side’s preparations for future high-stakes tournaments.
With the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 looming, the team’s medical staff will be closely monitoring his progress during his recovery.
