Pakistan opener Saim Ayub has been ruled out of the Champions Trophy as he continues his recovery from an ankle injury sustained in January. The injury, which he picked up while fielding in the second Test against South Africa in Cape Town, will keep him out for at least another five weeks. His availability for Pakistan’s white-ball series in New Zealand after the tournament remains uncertain.
A Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) statement confirmed that Ayub is “progressing well” in his rehabilitation. He remains in England, where he will complete his recovery. Initially, the PCB ruled him out for six weeks, raising hopes of his return for the Champions Trophy. However, recent assessments confirmed a 10-week recovery period, ruling him out of the squad announced last week.
The injury occurred in just the seventh over of the Cape Town Test when Ryan Rickelton edged a delivery to deep third. Ayub, chasing alongside Aamer Jamal, lost his balance while preparing to relay the throw and twisted his ankle. He collapsed in pain, clutching his lower leg, and received immediate medical attention. Despite prolonged treatment, he could not put weight on his right foot and had to be stretchered off the field. Later, he was seen on crutches in the medical booth.
Pakistan will begin an eight-match white-ball tour of New Zealand on March 16, just a week after the Champions Trophy final. The tour includes five T20Is and three ODIs, followed by the Pakistan Super League starting on April 8. Ayub’s participation in these events remains doubtful, depending on his recovery progress.
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