Pakistan opener Saim Ayub will travel to London to receive treatment for his broken ankle. The PCB, which had previously said he would stay with the team and fly back to Pakistan at the end of the Newlands Test match, has instead decided to send him to London immediately for specialist treatment.

Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Mohsin Naqvi on Sunday announced that left-hander Saim Ayub will be sent to London for immediate medical treatment.

Young Pakistani batsman Saim Ayub was involved in an unfortunate incident during the second Test against South Africa in Cape Town. During the seventh over of Day 1, Ryan Rickelton hit the ball short and Ayub, assisted by Aamer Jamal, chased it to deep third man. As Jamal saved the boundary and pulled the ball to Ayub, who was to act as a relay fielder, the latter lost his balance and sprained his ankle.

He was then stretchered off the field and, following an immediate examination, was suspended for the remainder of the game.

Chairman Naqvi personally contacted Ayub to enquire about his health and wished him a speedy recovery. "Saim Ayub is a stylish and exceptional batsman who is an asset to Pakistan cricket. We are determined to use all available resources for his treatment," Naqvi stated.

Ayub's medical reports, including X-rays and MRIs, have already been sent to London where sports orthopedic specialists will assess his condition. Dr Mumraiz, who has been monitoring the case in Pakistan, has ensured that all the necessary documentation has been forwarded to the specialists abroad.

The 22-year-old is currently being cared for by Dr Mamrez in Pakistan. As he is scheduled to travel to London for further treatment, he will be accompanied by Azhar Mahmood, the team's strength and conditioning coach. Naqvi also stated that the PCB will make all necessary arrangements for the young man to return to playing cricket.

Ayub has become an integral part of the team in a short period of time. Originally signed as a T20I batsman, he has shown his mettle and has become the first-choice opener for Pakistan in the longer format as well. He has played seven Tests and has 364 runs to his name at an average of 26. He rose to fame with his 101-run knock against South Africa in the third ODI on December 22, where he was adjudged the player of the match. He has scored three centuries in just nine ODIs.