Pakistan’s opening batter Saim Ayub will be sidelined for at least another five weeks due to an ankle injury he sustained in South Africa last month. The 21-year-old was initially expected to be out for six weeks, but his rehabilitation process has been slower than anticipated.
Ayub suffered a right ankle fracture while fielding in the second Test against South Africa in Cape Town on January 4. He was stretchered off the field and later seen on crutches.
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) confirmed that Ayub will not be available for the upcoming Champions Trophy, which runs from February 29 to March 9. His participation in Pakistan’s white-ball series in New Zealand, scheduled to take place from March 16 to April 5, also remains uncertain.
A PCB statement said Ayub was “progressing well” in his rehabilitation, which he will continue in England. The board had initially announced a six-week recovery period, but Ayub’s injury has taken longer to heal.
Pakistan will host the Champions Trophy without Ayub, and his absence will be a significant blow to the team’s batting lineup. The PCB has already announced the squad for the tournament, with Ayub’s name missing from the list.
After the Champions Trophy, Pakistan will embark on an eight-match white-ball tour of New Zealand, followed by the Pakistan Super League, which starts on April 8.
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