When Will Saim Ayub Make His Comeback to Cricket After Injury?

Saim Ayub, one of Pakistan’s promising young cricketers, has been sidelined from the game due to a significant injury. The 22-year-old top-order batter twisted his right ankle while fielding on the opening day of the second Test between Pakistan and South Africa, on January 3, 2025. This injury has kept him out of action for several weeks, and the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) recently updated fans about his recovery progress.

According to the PCB, Ayub has suffered a fracture in his right ankle, which will require him to remain off the field for at least another month. Despite this setback, the cricket board has reassured fans that Ayub is recovering well and undergoing rehabilitation in England. He has undergone several medical tests, including MRI scans and X-rays, to assess the extent of the injury. The results confirmed that Ayub would be unavailable for about 10 weeks from the date of the injury.

This unfortunate injury has also led to Ayub’s exclusion from Pakistan’s squad for the highly anticipated Champions Trophy 2025, which has left many fans disappointed. However, there is still hope for his return to the cricket field soon. Ayub’s availability for the upcoming tour of New Zealand, set to take place from March 16 to April 5, will depend on how well he recovers and if he passes all medical clearances.

The injury occurred in the seventh over of the match during fielding in the deep third-man region. While attempting a relay fielding effort with teammate Aamir Jamal, Ayub lost his balance, stumbled backward, and twisted his ankle, forcing him to leave the field.

Saim Ayub’s rise in international cricket has been impressive. He made his debut for Pakistan against Afghanistan in March 2023 and has already played in 44 international matches. His standout performance in the One Day International (ODI) format has earned him much recognition, with three centuries and one half-century in just nine matches. This remarkable achievement highlights his ability to perform under pressure and his aggressive yet composed batting style, which has made him a crucial player for Pakistan.

One of his most notable achievements was being a key figure in Pakistan’s 3-0 whitewash of South Africa in the ODI series last year. Ayub’s two centuries in that series earned him the title of Player of the Series, further solidifying his reputation as one of Pakistan’s brightest young talents.

Although Ayub’s injury has temporarily halted his progress, fans and cricket experts are optimistic about his return. His commitment to rehabilitation and his impressive track record suggest that he will be back stronger than ever. As Ayub continues to recover, all eyes will be on him as he works towards making his comeback and contributing to Pakistan’s success in future international cricket events.

In the meantime, cricket fans are eagerly waiting for updates on his recovery and the possibility of his participation in the New Zealand tour. Whether or not Ayub makes it to the tour will depend on how quickly he regains his fitness and how well he clears the necessary medical tests. Until then, the young batter’s fans continue to support him, hoping to see him return to the cricket field soon and showcase his incredible talent once again.