Pakistan’s all-format opener, Saim Ayub, got injured during the second Test match against South Africa. Considering his importance for the upcoming Champions Trophy, Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Mohsin Naqvi decided to send him to England for treatment.
Ayub suffered a right ankle fracture while fielding in the first innings at Newlands on Friday, he has been excluded from competitive cricket for six weeks.
Ayub, one of Pakistan’s top performers who has done well in the recent white-ball series against Australia and South Africa, might miss Pakistan’s Champions Trophy match against New Zealand in Karachi on Feb 19. Ayub smashed two centuries in three ODIs against South Africa. PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi stressed the high level of care Ayub would receive, stating he would be treated at the “best hospital in the world.”
“Chairman Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Mohsin Naqvi has decided to send Saim Ayub to London for immediate treatment and the decision was made after consulting the doctors,” the board said in a statement.
The PCB said that Ayub, who was meant to return to Pakistan with the team, will now go to England. Naqvi said the Pakistani batter will see sports injury doctors in England, and the PCB has already arranged an appointment for him.
“The medical team is looking into the entire case and Dr. Mumraiz has shared Saim’s medical reports with specialists in England,” Naqvi said.
“Saim’s treatment will be done in the best hospital in the world and in this regard all resources will be used for his treatment,” We hope that the left-handed batter will make a full recovery before the ICC Champions Trophy,” he added.
Saim will fly from Cape Town to London on the next available flight, with coach Azhar Mahmood joining him.
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Jasir Basharat is a cricket enthusiast capturing the heart of the game through insightful analysis and storytelling sharing his passion for the sport through engaging narratives. He is a business graduate from University of Kashmir.
