Pakistan opener Saim Ayub has been sidelined from competitive cricket for up to six weeks due to a right ankle fracture sustained while fielding on the first day of the second men’s Test against South Africa at Newlands on Friday.
The 22-year-old suffered the injury when he lost his balance while attempting to retrieve the ball, stumbling backward and fracturing his ankle. An MRI conducted later in the day confirmed the fracture, and his ankle has since been immobilized with a medical moon boot.
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Despite the setback, Ayub will remain with the Pakistan squad for the remainder of the ongoing Test series and will return home with the team after its conclusion. However, his recovery period is expected to keep him out of action for the upcoming two-match home Test series against the West Indies later this month, as well as the home tri-series involving South Africa and New Zealand, ahead of the Champions Trophy 2025.
The injury has drawn criticism from former Pakistan opener Ahmed Shehzad, who questioned the management’s decision-making. Shehzad argued that Ayub, being in exceptional form, should have been preserved for the Champions Trophy.
“Saim was the only player in form, and he should have been safeguarded for the Champions Trophy 2025. Now he’s injured, leaving the field holding his ankle. If this turns into a long-term issue, who will take responsibility?” Shehzad remarked.
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Ayub’s recent performances had been remarkable, particularly in the ODI series against South Africa, where he played a pivotal role in Pakistan’s historic 3-0 whitewash—the first time any team has achieved such a feat on South African soil. Named Player of the Series, Ayub scored two centuries in three matches, helping Pakistan secure a memorable victory.