LONDON: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) will wait for medical reports from the doctors in London before deciding on the inclusion of top-order batter Saim Ayub in Pakistan’s provisional squad for next month’s ICC Champions Trophy. Ayub, who sustained a fractured ankle during the opening day of the Cape Town Test against South Africa, was initially ruled out of action for six weeks. 

The PCB subsequently sent the 22-year-old to the United Kingdom for specialised treatment and further evaluation. On Wednesday, Ayub underwent an initial assessment by Dr Lucky Jeyaseelan, a Consultant Trauma & Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Surgeon in London. He was accompanied by Pakistan team’s assistant coach Azhar Mahmood. A second session, with Dr David, is scheduled for Thursday, sources familiar with the matter told a local daily. “The decision on Ayub’s inclusion in the Champions Trophy squad will depend on the doctors’ reports from the UK,” the source said. Earlier, PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi emphasised the board’s commitment to providing world-class medical care for Ayub, calling him an asset for Pakistan cricket. Naqvi also personally contacted Ayub to check on his condition and extended his heartfelt wishes for a swift recovery. He expressed the importance of providing the necessary care, emphasising that Ayub will be examined by renowned orthopaedic specialists in London.

The injury occurred during fielding on the opening day of the second men’s cricket Test against South Africa at Newlands on Friday. While attempting to retrieve the ball, Ayub lost his balance and stumbled backward, resulting in the injury.