Pakistan's rising star Saim Ayub has been ruled out of competitive cricket for up to six weeks following a right ankle fracture sustained during the opening day of the second men's Test against South Africa at Newlands, Cape Town, on Friday.

The injury has raised concerns over the left-handed opener's participation in the upcoming ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025, scheduled to take place from February 19 to March 9.

Ayub, who had been in stellar form across formats, was fielding when he twisted his right ankle, leading to an immediate medical evaluation.

An MRI conducted on the same day confirmed the fracture, which has been immobilised in an Ankle Medical Moon Boot. Despite being ruled out of the ongoing Test, Ayub will remain with the squad and travel back to Pakistan with the team once the match concludes.

The injury occurred during the first session of the Test, when Ayub was fielding as a relay after Aamir Jamal retrieved the ball in deep third-man territory. As Ayub sprinted to make a relay throw, he lost his balance and stumbled backwards, visibly uncomfortable before being escorted off the field for further medical care.

Although the full extent of the injury is yet to be confirmed, Ayub’s absence from the current Test series is a blow to Pakistan’s hopes.

The injury comes ahead of a packed schedule that includes a two-match Test series against the West Indies, a tri-nation ODI series against South Africa and New Zealand, and the highly anticipated Champions Trophy in February 2024.

Ayub’s remarkable form over the past year makes his injury a significant concern for Pakistan. Since the white-ball tour of Australia, the 22-year-old has been a mainstay in the national side, scoring three centuries and one fifty in ODIs, along with an unbeaten 98-run knock in T20Is.

His performances have earned him the Player of the Series award during the South Africa ODIs and recognition from the ICC, with Ayub being shortlisted for the Emerging Cricketer of the Year award.

With the Champions Trophy drawing closer, Pakistan’s selectors and fans will be closely monitoring Ayub’s recovery. The tournament, which will be held in the UAE, is expected to feature a thrilling clash between Pakistan and India on February 23, originally scheduled to take place at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium, but now moved to Dubai after India’s refusal to tour Pakistan.