ISLAMABAD: Pakistan all-format opening batter Saim Ayub has been ruled out of cricket for at least six weeks after he fractured his right ankle on the opening day of the second and final Test against South Africa, putting his participation in serious doubt for next month’s Champions Trophy.
Ayub fell awkwardly in the outfield and was visibly in lot of pain as he received brief treatment on the ground before he was rushed to a hospital for precautionary scans.
“An MRI conducted Friday afternoon confirmed the fracture, which has been immobilized in an Ankle Medical Moon Boot,” the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) said on Saturday.
“Although Saim will not participate further in the Test, he will remain with the team and travel back to Pakistan with the squad after the match concludes.”
Ayub’s injury comes as a major blow to Pakistan. The left-handed opener had been in prolific form, especially in white-ball cricket, and scored two centuries as Pakistan swept South Africa 3-0 in the one-day series last month.
The ankle injury has put his participation in doubt for next month’s Champions Trophy which begins on Feb. 19 in Karachi, when Pakistan will take on New Zealand in the opening match.
South Africa dominated the day 1 of the second Test at Newlands and piled up 316 for four, with Ryan Rickelton hitting 176 not out. He shared a fourth-wicket partnership of 235 with his captain, Temba Bavuma, who made 106.
South Africa have already sealed a place in June’s World Test Championship final with a dramatic two-wicket win in the first test at Centurion.
Fractured ankle rules out Pakistan opener Saim Ayub for at least six weeks
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Fractured ankle rules out Pakistan opener Saim Ayub for at least six weeks
- Ayub fell awkwardly in the outfield and was visibly in lot of pain as he received brief treatment on the ground
- South Africa dominated the day 1 of second Test and piled up 316 for four, with Ryan Rickelton hitting 176 not out
Saudi Arabia awards Pakistani army chief with King Abdulaziz Medal
- Medal recognizes Field Marshal Asim Munir’s efforts in strengthening Saudi-Pakistani friendship, advancing joint cooperation
- Munir reaffirms Pakistan’s commitment to security, stability and prosperity of Saudi Arabia, says Pakistan military’s media wing
ISLAMABAD: Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Defense Prince Khalid bin Salman presented the King Abdulaziz Medal of the First Class to Pakistan’s Chief of Defense Forces Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir on Sunday in a ceremony at his office in Riyadh, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
The SPA said Munir was awarded the medal following a royal order from Saudi Arabia’s King Salman. The medal recognizes Munir’s distinguished efforts in strengthening Saudi-Pakistani friendship, advancing joint cooperation and developing relations between the two countries.
“Upon the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques’ directive, Minister of Defense decorates Pakistan’s Chief of Army Staff with King Abdulaziz Medal of Excellent Class,” the SPA wrote on social media platform X.
Munir’s meeting with Prince Khalid featured a review of historical ties, strategic defense cooperation between the two countries and discussions on promoting international peace and security.
Pakistan military’s media wing said the award also reflects Munir’s contributions toward regional peace and stability, including sustained collaboration in counter-terrorism and security.
“The conferment of the King Abdulaziz Medal of Excellent Class underscores the depth of Pakistan–Saudi Arabia relations and the shared determination of both nations to further strengthen strategic cooperation in pursuit of regional and global peace,” the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), Pakistan military’s media wing, said.
Munir thanked the Saudi leadership for the honor, describing it as a “reflection of the enduring bonds between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia.”
“He reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to the security, stability and prosperity of the Kingdom,” the ISPR said.
Pakistan and Saudi Arabia have eyed closer economic and defense ties in recent months. The two countries signed a historic strategic defense pact in September this year, according to which an attack on one country will be treated as an attack on both.
In October, Islamabad and Riyadh agreed to launch an Economic Cooperation Framework to expand bilateral trade and investment ties.
