Lahore: Pakistan’s young batter Saim Ayub has completed his medical evaluations with orthopedic specialists in London for his ankle injury. However, it will take another week to determine if he will be fit for the ICC Champions Trophy, which begins next month.
Saim consulted renowned orthopedic surgeons Dr. David Redfern and Dr. Lucky Jeyaseelan, who conducted a thorough examination of his injury. A source close to the player revealed that the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is eager to have Saim ready for the highly-anticipated match against India on February 23 in Dubai.
PCB Willing to Take Calculated Risks
According to the source, even if Saim is unable to recover in time for Pakistan’s opening Champions Trophy match against New Zealand on February 19 in Karachi, the PCB is prepared to wait for his availability for the India clash. “The selectors and the board are willing to take the risk if there’s a chance he could play against India,” the source said.
The PCB had initially advised Saim a six-week rest period for his injury. However, the urgency of the situation prompted the board to send him to London for a second opinion. The specialists have ruled out the need for invasive or non-invasive surgery.
Recovery Plan and Next Steps
The medical experts believe Saim’s recovery can be managed through physiotherapy, medication, and rest. However, the precise duration of his rehabilitation period will only be clear after the final reports next week.
For now, the PCB has decided to include Saim in the preliminary Champions Trophy squad. The selectors have until February 12 to finalize the 15-member squad, providing some flexibility based on Saim’s recovery progress.
Saim will remain in London for the next week to complete his evaluations. Based on the doctors’ recommendations, he will either return to Lahore to continue rehabilitation at the PCB High-Performance Centre or remain in London for further treatment.
Conclusion
The PCB remains hopeful that Saim Ayub will recover in time for the marquee India match in the Champions Trophy. His presence would be a significant boost for Pakistan as they prepare for one of the most eagerly awaited games of the tournament.
