CAPE TOWN: Pakistan opener Saim Ayub has been ruled out of competitive cricket for up to six weeks after suffering a right ankle fracture.
The incident occurred during fielding on the opening day of the second men's cricket Test against South Africa at Newlands on Friday.
An MRI conducted on Friday afternoon confirmed the fracture, which has been immobilised with an Ankle Medical Moon Boot.
In an unfortunate turn of events, the 22-year-old lost his balance while attempting to retrieve the ball, stumbling backward and resulting in the injury.
Despite this setback, Ayub will stay with the Pakistan squad throughout the ongoing Test series and will return home with the team at the series' conclusion.
With a six-week recovery period ahead, Ayub is likely to miss the upcoming two-match home Test series against the West Indies later this month, as well as the home tri-series against South Africa and New Zealand before the Champions Trophy 2025.
Opening batter Ahmed Shehzad criticised the management for not preserving Ayub for the upcoming tournament, especially as he was the only player in form in the ODI format.
"Saim was the only player in good form, and you should have preserved him for the Champions Trophy 2025. Now, look, he's injured, holding his ankle and leaving the ground. If he suffers a long-term injury, who is responsible?" Shehzad questioned.
The left-handed batter was in excellent form with the bat in the recently concluded ODI series against South Africa, where Pakistan made history by becoming the first team to whitewash South Africa on their home soil.
He was named Player of the Series for his outstanding performances, scoring two centuries in three matches and leading his side to a historic victory in South Africa.
- Saim Ayub