PCB to send Saim Ayub to London for ankle injury treatment

Young Pakistan batter Saim Ayub was part of an unfortunate incident during ongoing the second Test against South Africa in Cape Town. During the seventh over of Day 1, Ryan Rickelton edged the delivery and Ayub went chasing after it to deep third man with Aamer Jamal assisting him. As Jamal saved the boundary and pulled the ball towards Ayub to act as a relay fielder, the latter lost the balance and twisted his ankle.

He was subsequently laid down on the stretcher and taken off the field. After immediate assesment, he was ruled out of the remainder of the match. As things stand, the Pakistan opener will need at least six weeks in recuperation before being able to take the the field again. Notably, Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi has directed Ayub to be sent to London to seek urgent medical care.

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The 22-year-old is currently under the care of Dr. Mamrez in Pakistan. As he is set to travel to London for further treatment, he will be accompanied by team’s strength and conditioning coach Azhar Mahmood. Naqvi also stated that the PCB will look after all the necessary arrangements for the youngster to get back to cricket.

Ayub has become an integral part of the team in a short span of time. Initially roped in as a T20I batter, he has proved his mettle to become the first-choice opener for Pakistan in the longer format as well. He has played seven Tests and has 364 runs to his name at an average of 26. He rose to fame with his 101-run knock against South Africa in the third ODI on December 22, where he was adjudged as Player of the Match. He has notched up three centuries in just nine ODIs.