The Pakistan National Cricket Team has been dealt a significant blow as young opener Saim Ayub has been ruled out for six weeks after suffering a right ankle fracture during the second Test against South Africa at Newlands.

The injury occurred on the opening day while Ayub was chasing a delivery in an attempt to save a boundary. He twisted his ankle and was visibly in pain, forcing him to leave the field on a cart.

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) confirmed the severity of Ayub's injury after an MRI scan revealed a fracture. The injury has been immobilized in a medical moon boot, ruling him out of competitive cricket for the next six weeks.

Although Ayub will not play any further part in the ongoing Test, he will remain with the team and return to Pakistan with the squad once the series concludes.

This setback means Ayub will also miss the upcoming Test series against the West Indies and possibly other crucial matches ahead. His injury raises concerns regarding his availability for the 2025 Champions Trophy, set to take place in Pakistan from February 19 to March 9. While Ayub is expected to recover in time, an official confirmation of his participation in the tournament is still awaited.

Ayub’s absence is a blow to Pakistan’s batting lineup, especially given his promising start as an opener. Pakistan will now have to rethink their strategies for the remainder of the South Africa series and the upcoming home series against the West Indies.