When Will Saim Ayub Return To Action After Fracturing Ankle? PCB Provides HUGE Update On Opener's Injury

When Will Saim Ayub Return To Action After Fracturing Ankle? PCB Provides HUGE Update On Opener's Injury Photo : AP

The Pakistan Cricket Board has announced that star opener Saim Ayub will be fit only by the middle of March as he continues his rehabilitation from an ankle fracture in London. The youngster missed out on Pakistan's squad for the home Champions Trophy because his injury didn't heal on time. The hosts will be defending their title in the tournament.

Ayub was racing against time to be fit for the upcoming Champions Trophy, causing Pakistan to pause on their official team announcement. He will continue his rehab in England and has been sidelined for 10 weeks.

Ayub's participation in Pakistan's first international assignment after the Champions Trophy, a white-ball tour of New Zealand, might be touch and go.

"Pakistan opener Saim Ayub is progressing well in his recovery from a right ankle fracture and will continue his rehabilitation in England. Following comprehensive MRI scans, X-rays and medical assessments, Saim has been ruled out for 10 weeks from the date of injury," the Pakistan Cricket Board's statement read.

Ayub played an important role in Pakistan's recent series of whitewash wins over Australia and South Africa after making his debut in November last year. He scored 515 runs in nine knocks at an average of 64.38, which included three hundreds.

Pakistan are all set to play a tri-series against New Zealand and South Africa, followed by the Champions Trophy. After the marquee event, they will tour the land of the Kiwis for five T20Is and three ODIs, all set to begin from March 16 onwards.

The last time Pakistan toured New Zealand, they suffered a 1-4 defeat in the five-match T20I series. It was the only instance when newly-inducted skipper Shaheen Shah Afridi led the team and the result had an impact on his captaincy as he was soon removed.

Ayub's return is expected to happen by March 17, which might see him only turn up for the second T20I in Dunedin.

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