Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi has announced that opening batter Saim Ayub will be sent to London for immediate medical treatment after fracturing his right ankle during the second Test against South Africa at Newlands. Ayub’s injury occurred while fielding in the deep third-man region, causing him to lose balance and twist his ankle.
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Ayub, who is expected to miss up to six weeks of competitive cricket, will be examined by sports orthopaedic specialists in London. His medical reports have already been sent, and the PCB has arranged for Ayub to fly from Cape Town to London on the next available flight. Assistant coach Azhar Mahmood will accompany him for the treatment process. The PCB has shown full support for Ayub’s recovery, with hopes that he will be fit in time for the upcoming Champions Trophy.
This injury opens the door for Fakhar Zaman’s potential return to the national team. With Ayub out and Abdullah Shafique already sidelined due to poor form, Fakhar Zaman could fill the gap as Pakistan’s opening batter. Prior to Ayub’s injury, he had been a consistent fixture in Pakistan’s opening lineup across all formats. Zaman’s return would be timely to bolster the team’s top order.
The PCB has expressed confidence in Ayub’s recovery, hoping that he will return to full fitness soon to continue his promising international career.
