Saim Ayub Out of Cricket for Six Weeks with Ankle Fracture: PCB Confirms Injury Setback

In a significant blow to the Pakistan cricket team, opening batter Saim Ayub has been ruled out of competitive cricket for up to six weeks due to a right ankle fracture.

The injury occurred on Jan 3, during the second Test against South Africa at Newlands, Cape Town when Ayub twisted his ankle while fielding in the seventh over of the match.

Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) updated his injury on Saturday, saying that the youngster would be “out of competitive cricket for up to six weeks due to a right ankle fracture sustained”.

The PCB said that Ayub was ruled out of the Cape Town Test yesterday after twisting his right ankle while fielding at the deep third man in the seventh over of the opening day.

“An MRI conducted [on] Friday afternoon confirmed the fracture, which has been immobilised in an Ankle Medical Moon Boot,” the statement said.

The young cricketer was attempting to relay a catch when he lost his balance, leading to an immediate medical response on the field. After receiving treatment, he was stretchered off in visible discomfort. Subsequent medical examinations, including an MRI, confirmed the fracture, necessitating that his ankle be immobilized in an Ankle Medical Moon Boot.

Despite the injury, Ayub will remain with the squad until the conclusion of the Test match and will travel back to Pakistan with his teammates.

However, his recovery timeline means he is set to miss crucial upcoming fixtures, including a two-match Test series against the West Indies later this month and a tri-series featuring South Africa and New Zealand in February.

This raises concerns about his fitness for the ICC Champions Trophy, which kicks off on February 19, 2025.