NEW DELHI: With the ICC Champions Trophy just over a month away, the Pakistan Cricket Board has decided to send Saim Ayub to London for treatment after he fractured his right ankle.
The opener suffered the injury on the Day 1 of the second Test match against South Africa in Cape Town.
Ayub’s injury will keep him off the field for a minimum of six weeks, raising concerns about his availability for the upcoming Champions Trophy.
The PCB on Saturday said it is taking swift action to address Ayub’s injury and he will be flown to London to consult with a specialist.
“Saim Ayub is a stylish and outstanding batter and an asset to Pakistan cricket,” PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi said.
“We are doing everything possible to ensure his full recovery. He will be sent on the next available flight from Cape Town to London, with assistant coach Azhar Mahmood accompanying him to ensure his well-being,” he added.
“An MRI conducted Friday afternoon confirmed the fracture, which has been immobilised in an Ankle Medical Moon Boot,” the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) said in a statement on Saturday.
Pakistan, the defending champion, is scheduled to begin its Champions Trophy campaign against New Zealand on February 19th in Karachi.
The Champions Trophy will be hosted across three Pakistan cities and Dubai. This follows after India’s refusal to travel to Pakistan citing security concerns.
India will play all its matches, including potential semi-final and final appearances, in Dubai.
They are placed in Group A alongside Pakistan and Bangladesh.
Group B consists of England, Australia, South Africa, and Afghanistan.
Matches in Pakistan will be held in Karachi, Lahore, and Rawalpindi.
