Pakistan’s Saim Ayub to receive specialist ankle treatment in London, ICC Champions Trophy participation in doubt

Pakistani opener Saim Ayub is set to travel to London for specialist treatment after sustaining a right ankle fracture during the ongoing Newlands Test in Cape Town. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has opted for immediate action to ensure the young batter receives world-class medical care, revising its earlier plan of having him remain with the team until the conclusion of the match.

Ayub will be accompanied by assistant coach Azhar Mahmood, who is currently with the Pakistan squad in South Africa. The decision highlights PCB’s proactive approach to managing player injuries, a shift from past instances where delays in treatment drew heavy criticism.

The injury occurred during the seventh over of South Africa’s innings when Ayub chased a shot from batter Ryan Rickelton. Running alongside teammate Aamer Jamal to stop the ball near the boundary, Ayub lost his balance while preparing for a relay throw. He twisted his ankle and immediately collapsed to the ground, clutching his leg in visible pain.

The team’s medical staff rushed to assist him, and Ayub received prolonged treatment near the boundary line. However, the opener was unable to stand or put any weight on his injured ankle and had to be stretchered off the field. He was later seen using crutches, with his leg placed in a medical boot for immobilization.

The PCB’s decision to send Ayub to London reflects a more decisive stance on player welfare. PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi emphasized the importance of providing top-tier medical care to the injured cricketer.

“Saim Ayub will be checked by specialist sports orthopedic doctors in England, and an immediate appointment has been arranged. All resources will be used for his treatment,” Naqvi stated, highlighting the board’s commitment to prioritizing player recovery.

The swift action is seen as a course correction following the backlash faced by the PCB in 2022 when pacer Shaheen Afridi’s treatment was delayed due to prolonged travel with the team before eventually being sent to London for medical care.

The PCB has confirmed that Ayub will be sidelined for at least six weeks. This timeline casts doubt on his availability for the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy, scheduled to begin on February 19 in Pakistan.

Ayub’s absence would be a significant blow to Pakistan’s plans for the tournament. The young opener has been in impressive form recently and is considered a key player in the squad. His recovery period will be closely monitored to assess whether he can return to full fitness in time for the prestigious event.