CAPE TOWN: Pakistan’s young opening batter Saim Ayub has been ruled out of the Cape Town Test after twisting his right ankle while fielding at the deep third man in the seventh over of the opening day, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) said on Friday.

According to the PCB, the left-handed Saim underwent X-rays and MRI tests in Cape Town this afternoon and the reports have been sent to specialists in London for further advice on the treatment and time away from competitive cricket.

The injury to the 22-year-old rising batter, known for his aggressive and innovative batting in all formats of the game, is no good news for Pakistan with around one and a half months left in the ICC Champions Trophy being held in Pakistan.

Published in Dawn, January 4th, 2025