Karachi, Feb 7: Young Pakistan opener Saim Ayub has been ruled out of the ICC Champions Trophy after being prescribed a rehabilitation period of at least 10 weeks to recover from an ankle injury. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) said on Friday that Saim, who sustained the injury in South Africa in January, is "progressing well in his recovery from the ankle fracture and will continue his rehabilitation in England." ICC Champions Trophy 2025: International Cricket Council Unveils Official Song for Upcoming Marquee Event Titled 'Jeeto Baazi Khel Ke'

"Following comprehensive MRI scans, X-rays, and medical assessments, Saim has been ruled out for 10 weeks from the date of injury (3 January)," the PCB said in a statement. "His availability for the New Zealand tour will be subject to clearing all fitness tests and medical requirements." ICC Champions Trophy 2025 All Squads: Full Players List of All Teams for Ninth Edition of Men's ODI Competition.

Saim had sustained the injury while fielding on the first day of the second Test against South Africa in Cape Town. Pakistan will tour New Zealand for five T20Is and three ODIs from March 16 to April 5, which will be followed by the Pakistan Super League starting on April 8.

The 22-year-old southpaw opener emerged as Pakistan's top batsman on tours to Australia, Zimbabwe, and South Africa, where he scored back-to-back hundreds in ODIs in South Africa and also a T20 century in Zimbabwe.

(The above story is verified and authored by Press Trust of India (PTI) staff. PTI, India’s premier news agency, employs more than 400 journalists and 500 stringers to cover almost every district and small town in India.. The views appearing in the above post do not reflect the opinions of LatestLY)