Pakistan opening batter Saim Ayub reached Lahore earlier today, ahead of the upcoming Pakistan Super League (PSL) season 10, after successfully completing his rehabilitation in London.
The left-handed batter is set to undergo a fitness test at the National Cricket Academy (NCA), which will determine his participation in the upcoming season of the PSL.
For the unversed, Saim suffered a right ankle fracture while fielding on the first day of the second Test between Pakistan and South Africa in early January. The injury ruled him out for 10 weeks, forcing him to miss the ICC Champions Trophy 2025.
The incident occurred in the seventh over of South Africa’s first innings when Ryan Rickelton played a fuller-length delivery from Mohammad Abbas past the slip cordon into the deep third-wicket region.
Saim, quick on his feet, dashed in to act as the relay fielder as Aamir Jamal valiantly attempted to haul the ball back from the boundary at deep third-man.
Follow us on our Official WhatsApp channel
However, in a heartbreaking moment, Saim Ayub lost his balance and stumbled backwards, struggling to regain his footing.
He was attended to by medical staff on the field, but his painful grimaces made it evident that he was in significant distress. Ultimately, he was carried off the field after he struggled to stand on his feet.
However, the young batter is on the cusp of his thrilling return to competitive cricket, having successfully completed his rehabilitation journey.
According to insider sources from the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), the medical reports he received from the UK are filled with promising signs, instilling a sense of hope and excitement about his return to action.
After completing his fitness test at NCA Lahore, Saim Ayub will head home to Karachi to celebrate Eid with his family. If cleared, he could be back in action for his PSL franchise, Peshawar Zalmi.
READ: Yasir Arafat points out key weakness in Pakistan’s cricketers