Jan 04, (V7N) - Pakistan's all-format opening batter, Saim Ayub, has been sidelined for at least six weeks due to a fractured ankle, raising doubts over his participation in next month's Champions Trophy.

Ayub sustained the injury while fielding on the opening day of the second and final Test against South Africa and was taken off the field on a stretcher on Friday.

An MRI conducted Friday afternoon confirmed the fracture, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) announced in a statement on Saturday.

The PCB confirmed that Ayub will remain with the team and will travel back to Pakistan next week for further treatment.

Ayub's injury is a significant setback for Pakistan. The left-handed opener had been in outstanding form, particularly in white-ball cricket, having scored two centuries during Pakistan's 3-0 ODI series sweep against South Africa last month.

Additionally, Ayub's participation in next month’s Champions Trophy, which kicks off on February 19 in Karachi with Pakistan facing New Zealand in the opening match, is now in serious doubt.

Pakistan all-rounder Salman Ali Agha described Ayub’s injury as a major blow to Pakistan’s chances of leveling the two-Test series against South Africa. South Africa secured a victory in the first Test, securing a spot in the World Test Championship final at Lord’s in June.

"It's a big blow considering the form he's in," Salman said on Friday after South Africa posted 316-4 on Day 1 of the second Test. "He would have been a great asset on this wicket. I wish him a speedy recovery."

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