PCB Willing To Risk Saim Ayub's Future Over India Match In Champions Trophy? Staggering Details Emerge
Photo : AP
Pakistan opener Saim Ayub's availability for the Champions Trophy will be known in a week even as the Pakistan Cricket Board is hopeful of getting him ready for the match against arch-rivals India. He completed his assessments with orthopaedic surgeons in London for an ankle injury, but he will need a week to know if he can play in February's ICC Champions Trophy.
Ayub was examined by two noted orthopaedic surgeons in London, Dr David Redfern and Dr Lucky Jeyaseelan. The latter has already said that any rush to make him play again can cause permanent trauma to his ankle.
According to a report in PTI, PCB is very keen on having Ayub fit in time for the Champions Trophy match against India on Sunday, February 23 in Dubai.
“Even if the doctors say he will not have recovered from his injury in time for Pakistan’s opening Champions Trophy game against New Zealand on February 19 in Karachi he could be fit for the India game, the selectors and PCB are willing to take the risk," a source close to Ayub told PTI.
The source said that Ayub had been sent to London for consultations with specialists even after he was advised a six-week rest for his ankle injury because the Pakistan Cricket Board is very keen to see him fit for the Champions Trophy and the India game.
The Pakistan Cricket Board will get final reports and advice from the specialists by next week on Ayub's recovery process and time but after initial tests, they have ruled out any surgery to set the ankle right.
“Their findings are that Saim can recover from his injury through physiotherapy, medication and rest but how long a rehab period they suggest will be known next week," the source said.
For the time being, the Pakistan Cricket Board will include Ayub in the preliminary team for the Champions Trophy as the selectors have until February 12 to make changes to it and finalise their 15-member team.
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