Pakistan’s top-order batter, Saim Ayub, has been sidelined for up to six weeks following a right ankle fracture sustained during the second Test against South Africa at Newlands on Friday.
The injury occurred early in the match as Ayub, 22, attempted a relay fielding effort near the third-man boundary alongside Aamir Jamal.
In the process, he lost his footing, stumbled, and twisted his ankle, resulting in an abrupt halt to his participation in the game.
Video replays showed Ayub in clear agony, prompting immediate medical intervention.
The team’s physiotherapists tended to him on the field before he was stretchered off and transported to a local hospital for further evaluation.
Medical tests, including an MRI scan, later confirmed the severity of the injury. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) revealed that his ankle has been immobilized using a specialized moon boot to aid recovery.
While Ayub will remain with the team until the conclusion of the Test, the PCB confirmed that he will not play any further part in the match.
He is set to travel back to Pakistan with the squad after the game.
This development is a blow to Pakistan’s preparations for the ICC Champions Trophy, set to take place in less than two months.
Known for his dynamic batting and inventive stroke play, Ayub was expected to be a critical asset for the national side in the upcoming tournament.
The Newlands Test is the second in the series, with Pakistan seeking to bounce back after a loss in the opening match.
Ayub’s absence adds further challenges for the visitors as they attempt to level the series.
Earlier in the year, Ayub gained recognition for his promising talent by earning a nomination for the ICC Men’s Emerging Cricketer of the Year 2024 award, highlighting his rapid rise in international cricket.
