The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has decided to send injured opening batsman Saim Ayub to London to help him recover in time for next month’s Champions Trophy. Ayub broke his right ankle during the second test against South Africa in Cape Town. Doctors say he will need at least six weeks to heal.
In a statement, PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi mentioned, “He’s a very talented batter and an important player for us. We are concerned about his injury and want him to get the best treatment possible.”
Ayub will be accompanied by assistant coach Azhar Mahmood as they take the first flight out of Cape Town. Pakistan, the defending champion, will play its first match in group A of the Champions Trophy against New Zealand on February 19.
The ICC is organizing the tournament in different countries because India decided not to come to Pakistan due to safety concerns. India will play all its matches, including the semifinals and finals if they qualify, in Dubai. They are in group A along with Bangladesh. Group B consists of England, Australia, South Africa, and Afghanistan. The matches will be held in Karachi, Lahore, and Rawalpindi.
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