Not going to risk his future for Champions Trophy: PCB provides update on Saim Ayub’s injury

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has come up with an update on Saim Ayub’s ankle fracture and if he’ll be fit for the upcoming Champions Trophy. Unfortunately for the Pakistan fans, the news isn’t good. 

“I am in touch with his doctors on daily basis and his ankle plaster will come off in next few days,” Mohsain Naqvi, the PCB chairman said.

“But it will take time for his complete recovery and we are not going to risk his future career just for the Champions Trophy. He is our asset and we him fully fit whatever time is required. I am personally monitoring his progress.”

By this report, it can be safely assumed that Ayub is all but ruled out of the ICC tournament. Ayub had fractured his right ankle on day one of the second Test against South Africa in Cape Town.

The injury occurred in the seventh over of the Test when Ayub slipped and badly damaged his ankle, after which he had to be stretchered off the field.

The PCB then confirmed in a release that the young opener would be ruled out of action for at least six weeks. Since then, Ayub has been in a race against time to be fit for the Champions Trophy, which starts on February 19. 

It’s unfortunate for the 22-year-old, who has had a spectacular start to his ODI career, averaging 64.37 in nine games. Recently, he struck two tons as Pakistan whitewashed South Africa in the three-match ODI series.