Saim Ayub Heads to London for Treatment of Ankle Injury: PCB

Lahore, Jan 5 (NationPress) The Chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), Mohsin Naqvi, has confirmed that opener Saim Ayub is set to journey to London alongside assistant coach Azhar Mahmood to address his ankle fracture.

On Saturday, the PCB stated that Ayub would "remain with the team and return to Pakistan with the squad" following the conclusion of the second Test match against South Africa in Cape Town.

Due to a right ankle fracture sustained while fielding on the opening day of the second Test, Ayub has been ruled out of competitive cricket for approximately six weeks.

"Saim Ayub is a talented and impressive batter and a valuable asset to Pakistan cricket," Naqvi remarked.

"We are taking every possible step to guarantee his complete recovery. He will be sent on the next available flight from Cape Town to London, with assistant coach Azhar Mahmood accompanying him to ensure his care," he added.

An MRI scan conducted on Friday afternoon verified the fracture, which has been stabilized in an Ankle Medical Moon Boot, according to a statement from the PCB on Saturday.

Ayub is anticipated to miss the upcoming two-Test series at home against the West Indies later this month, as well as the tri-series featuring South Africa and New Zealand in February, prior to the Champions Trophy, which begins across Pakistan and Dubai from February 19.

Ayub's participation in the prestigious eight-team tournament is also uncertain due to this recent injury. His absence poses a significant setback for Pakistan. A rising star in recent months, he was named Player of the Series in Pakistan's 3-0 ODI victory over South Africa last month, achieving two centuries in three matches.

On Friday, Ayub was carried off the field on a stretcher after twisting his ankle while attempting to field a ball during the seventh over of South Africa's innings.