Injured Saim Ayub ruled out of int'l cricket for six weeks

Saim Ayub, who suffered an injury on the first day of the second Test against South Africa, will not be able to participate in international cricket campaigns for six weeks.

Saim twisted and fractured his ankle while chasing the ball at the short third-man boundary Friday.

A statement issued by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) said that the opener’s MRI reports had confirmed a fracture, due to which he has been told to rest for six weeks.

Saim, however, will remain with the team and return home with the squad after the series.

The 2025 Champions Trophy is scheduled to take place in Pakistan from February 19 to March 9, 2025. While Saim is likely to return to the squad before the mega event, an official confirmation is still awaited.

Second Test: Saim Ayub injured, likely to miss upcoming matches

Pakistan's opener batter Saim Ayub has been injured while fielding in the second match of the series at Cape Town on Friday.

The opener was taken off the field with the help of his teammates.

He will likely be taken to the hospital, where his foot will be scanned, after which a decision will be made regarding his participation in the rest of the match. 

South Africa won the toss against Pakistan and decided to bat first. 

Earlier, Pakistan included Mir Hamza in the playing XI in place of Naseem Shah.

Yesterday, it was reported that Mir Hamza is likely to join the team in place of Aamir Jamal, while left-arm spinner Noman Ali is unlikely to play. 

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The South African team defeated the Green Shirts by 2-0 in the three-match T20 series, while the third and final T20 match was washed out due to rain. The Pakistani team swept hosts Proteas by 3-0 in the three-match ODI series. 

South Africa has a 1-0 lead in the ongoing Test series, defeating the Green Shirts in the first Test match by two wickets.