The Pakistan Cricket Board has provided a fresh update on Saim Ayub's injury, also giving an expected timeline for his return.
Ayub, the 22-year-old Pakistan batter, suffered a freak ankle injury during the New Year's Test against South Africa in Cape Town. It kickstarted a race against time to be fit for the 2025 Champions Trophy, which would have been his first ICC ODI tournament.
The PCB remained hopeful through January, but with the date to announce the Champions Trophy squads fast approaching, it appeared unlikely that Ayub will be fit in time.
Pakistan were the last team to announce their provisional squads for the Champions Trophy, which eventually confirmed that Ayub hadn't been selected. Teams have until February 11 to make any changes to their squad, but the latest update puts a definite end to all speculations.
Saim Ayub injury: What's the latest update?
The PCB release, put out on February 7, specified that Ayub had been ruled out for ten weeks from the date of the incident (January 10). It confirms his absence from the Champions Trophy, but the player's recovery is said to be "progressing well" from his right ankle fracture.
Ayub is currently undergoing rehabilitation in England.
The Pakistan opener had to undergo comprehensive MRI scans, X-rays, and medical assessments, after which his recovery period could be ascertained.
When can Saim Ayub return to cricket?
The PCB aim to see Ayub recover in time for Pakistan's tour of New Zealand in March, but his availability will be subject to clearing all fitness tests and medical requirements.
The New Zealand tour will be closely followed by the Pakistan Super League, the 2021 edition of which saw a teenage Saim Ayub gain widespread attention for his batting.
The New Zealand tour, comprising five T20Is and three ODIs, will begin on March 16 and run until April 5. The PSL is set to start on April 8.
You can follow the injury tracker for all players ahead of the Champions Trophy here.
Follow Wisden for all cricket updates, including live scores, match stats, quizzes and more. Stay up to date with the latest cricket news, player updates, team standings, match highlights, video analysis and live match odds.
