Pakistan cricket chief promises world-class treatment for injured Saim Ayub

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman, Mohsin Naqvi, pledged on Monday to ensure top-notch medical care for injured national men's team opener Saim Ayub.

Saim suffered a fractured right ankle while fielding on the opening day of the ongoing second Test against South Africa. He was immediately taken to a hospital, where scans confirmed the fracture. The player is scheduled to fly to London from South Africa on Tuesday for advanced treatment.

“Saim is a valuable asset, and we cannot afford any delays or issues with his recovery,” Naqvi stated during his visit to the Gaddafi Stadium.

“Azhar Mehmood will accompany Saim to London,” Naqvi shared. “We are in direct contact with top doctors. I am personally overseeing the arrangements and have booked appointments with the best orthopedic specialists. Dr. Mumraiz is coordinating everything. We pray for his swift recovery,” added Naqvi, who also serves as the country’s interior minister.

Saim has been in outstanding form, playing a critical role in Pakistan's clean sweep of South Africa in the recent three-match ODI series. His injury poses a significant challenge for Pakistan ahead of the Champions Trophy, which they are set to host from February 19 to March 8.

Naqvi also addressed Pakistan’s performance in the ongoing Test series against South Africa, asserting that the team is showing resilience.

“The team is fighting hard. It’s unfair to claim that they are collapsing or failing to deliver. Those days are behind us,” he said.

Pakistan narrowly lost the first Test in Centurion by two wickets but is making a strong comeback in the second Test at Cape Town.

After being forced to follow on, Pakistan recovered from a first-innings total of 194 to reach 312-3 by lunch on day four, with skipper Shan Masood not out on 137.

Gaddafi Stadium renovation on track

Naqvi also inspected the reconstruction work at Gaddafi Stadium in preparation for the ICC Champions Trophy. He noted significant progress, stating that the stadium’s appearance has been transformed in under three months.

“The gray structure is fully completed, and finishing work is in full swing. The revamped stadium will accommodate over 34,000 spectators,” Naqvi said.

He added that sight lights installation is nearing completion, visibility from the general enclosures has greatly improved, and new scoreboards on both ends are being installed.

Naqvi toured all sections of the stadium, including the main building and general enclosures, and interacted with workers, congratulating them on their efforts.

Naqvi said that despite severe cold and fog the project is progressing rapidly. He promised that the new stadium would feature modern facilities and be ready on time.

The project director from FWO provided a briefing on the progress. Key PCB officials, including Chief Operating Officer Sumair Ahmed Syed, advisor Aamir Mir, Director Infrastructure, and Director Domestic Cricket, along with representatives from Nespak and FWO, were also present during the visit.