NEW DELHI: Pakistan's Saim Ayub finished his evaluations with orthopedic surgeons in London on Saturday regarding his ankle injury; nevertheless, it will take a week to determine whether he can participate in the ICC Champions Trophy next month. Two renowned orthopedic surgeons in London, Drs. David Redfern and Lucky Jeyaseelan, evaluated Saim.
According to a source close to Saim, the Pakistan Cricket Board is eager for Saim to be healthy enough to play against India in the Champions Trophy match on February 23 in Dubai.
"Even if the doctors say he will not have recovered from his injury in time for Pakistan's opening CT game against New Zealand on February 19 in Karachi but he could be fit for the India game, the selectors and PCB are willing to take the risk," the source said.
He claimed that despite initially being told to take a six-week break due to his ankle ailment, Saim was sent to London for expert consultations because the PCB is eager for him to be healthy for the major event, especially the India match.
After the initial inspection, the PCB has ruled out any invasive or non-invasive surgery to correct Saim's ankle, but they will receive final results and advise from the specialists by next week regarding his recuperation period.
"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," he said.
Saim will be included in the Champions Trophy preliminary team for the time being by the PCB, as the selectors have till February 12 to make any necessary adjustments and finalize their 15-man squad.
Saim will stay in London till the next week in order to determine whether he can receive better care in London or at the PCB's high performance center in Lahore.
