Saim Ayub's Eligibility for New Zealand Tour Depends on Fitness Tests and Medical Clearance
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Synopsis
Saim Ayub’s participation in Pakistan’s New Zealand tour is contingent on passing fitness evaluations and medical assessments, as stated by the PCB. He was ruled out of previous series due to an ankle injury and is currently rehabilitating in England.
Key Takeaways
- Saim Ayub's tour availability is conditional on fitness tests.
- He is recovering from a right ankle fracture.
- Ayub had previously been named in the ICC ODI team of the year.
- Fakhar Zaman may replace him for upcoming matches.
- The New Zealand tour includes five T20Is and three ODIs.
New Delhi, Feb 7 (NationPress) The availability of Saim Ayub, the left-handed batter, for Pakistan's upcoming tour of New Zealand hinges on him successfully passing all required fitness evaluations and medical checks, as communicated by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) on Friday.
Recently, Ayub was excluded from Pakistan's tri-series against New Zealand and South Africa at home, along with the impending Champions Trophy, due to an ankle injury he incurred while fielding during the first day of the New Year’s Test in Cape Town last month.
According to a statement from the PCB, Ayub is making good progress in recovering from a right ankle fracture and will continue his rehabilitation in England. “After thorough MRI scans, X-rays, and medical evaluations, Saim has been deemed unfit for 10 weeks following the date of his injury (3 January). His participation in the New Zealand tour will depend on passing all fitness tests and medical evaluations,” the statement elaborated.
Ayub was recognized in the ICC’s men’s ODI team of the year for 2024 and had scored two centuries in South Africa before the ankle injury, which occurred while attempting to pursue a delivery from Ryan Rickelton, leading to a loss of balance and a twist of the ankle.
After being stretchered off the field in Cape Town, he was promptly sent to London for treatment from orthopedic specialists and was placed on crutches with the injured ankle secured in a moon boot.
In his absence, Fakhar Zaman is expected to open the batting alongside Babar Azam or Saud Shakeel in Pakistan's tri-series matches leading up to the Champions Trophy, scheduled from February 19 to March 9. Following this, Pakistan is set to tour New Zealand for five T20Is and three ODIs from March 16 to April 5, with the Pakistan Super League commencing on April 8.
