Pakistan have been dealt a major blow ahead of the Champions Trophy 2025 after talented young opener Saim Ayub suffered a fracture in his right ankle during the ongoing second Test against South Africa. He was subsequently ruled out for six weeks.

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) confirmed the development after an MRI scan conducted on Friday (January 3), which revealed the extent of the injury.

The diagnosis now rules the 22-year-old out of Pakistan’s upcoming two-Test series against the West Indies later this month, as well as a home tri-series in February involving South Africa and New Zealand. In addition, it puts pressure on him to recover in time for the Champions Trophy 2025, which begins in Karachi in just over six weeks.

Losing Ayub in the ICC event will be a big setback for the hosts and defending champions, especially as he has emerged as a key player for Pakistan across all formats. He made crucial contributions in the ODI series victories in Australia, Zimbabwe and South Africa, where he scored two centuries in three matches and won the Player of the Series award.

How did Saim Ayub fracture his ankle?

On Day 1 of the SA vs PAK second Test, Ayub was forced to leave the field on a stretcher at the start of the match, after just the seventh over.

Ryan Rickelton had taken a shot that sent the ball through the slips, and Ayub ran towards the deep third, accompanied by Aamer Jamal. While Jamal managed to stop the ball, Ayub was in a position to return it, but lost his balance and sprained his ankle. He collapsed in immediate pain, clutching his lower leg, prompting the physiotherapist to rush to his aid.

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After receiving extensive off-field treatment, Ayub was unable to put weight on his right ankle. He was visibly upset and tearful when he was carried out on a stretcher; He was later seen using crutches and wearing a medical boot.

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