Saim Ayub released from Pakistan tri-series squad, Sahibzada Farhan named replacement

Pakistan opener Saim Ayub has been released from the squad for the remainder of the ongoing ODI tri-series, the Pakistan Cricket Board announced on Monday, October 26. Ayub requested to step away from the squad to return to domestic cricket and work on his batting form, and the PCB confirmed that both the team management and the national selection committee agreed to the request after he spoke with head coach Mike Hesson.

Batter Sahibzada Farhan has been brought in to fill the vacancy for the rest of the tournament. Farhan was not part of Pakistan’s original tri-series squad but returns to the ODI set-up following that omission.

“Respecting Saim’s decision and appreciating his honest assessment of his current form, the team management and national selection committee have mutually agreed to accept this request,” the PCB said in a press release, as quoted by Dawn.

Ayub’s exit follows a difficult stretch in the tri-series. In Pakistan’s one-wicket victory over England at the Gaddafi Stadium on Sunday, he was dismissed for six runs, contributing to a top-order collapse that left the side in serious trouble. Shadab Khan’s unbeaten 113, combined with an unbroken last-wicket stand alongside Haris Rauf, ultimately carried Pakistan to victory. Pakistan captain Shaheen Shah Afridi had also acknowledged, ahead of that match, the selection choices available to the team given the inconsistent returns from the top of the order.

Why has Pakistan’s squad seen multiple changes during the tri-series?

The release of Ayub is the second notable squad adjustment Pakistan have made in quick succession. A day before Monday’s announcement, left-handed batter Maaz Sadaqat was added to the group as cover for players carrying minor physical complaints. That addition came after left-arm wrist spinner Sufiyan Moqim was let go, with the PCB pointing to the character of the Lahore pitches as the reason for his release. Sufiyan was directed to return to domestic cricket.

Maaz, who is 21 years old, had not been included in the original tri-series squad. He is also an occasional left-arm orthodox spinner and remains part of the squad alongside Farhan for the rest of the competition.

What does Sahibzada Farhan bring back to Pakistan’s ODI squad?

Farhan’s recall to the ODI set-up gives Pakistan an experienced opening option at the top of the order. He had previously been named captain of the national T20I side for the series against Sri Lanka earlier this month and also led Pakistan at the Asian Games, underlining his standing in the white-ball structure despite his absence from the original tri-series group.

Pakistan have already secured a place in the tri-series final after winning three matches in a row. They face Sri Lanka in the fifth league fixture at the Gaddafi Stadium on Tuesday, before the final is scheduled for October 31 at the same venue. The tri-series, which features Pakistan, England and Sri Lanka, forms part of all three teams’ preparations for next year’s ODI World Cup. The league match against Sri Lanka will give the team a chance to assess its available combinations ahead of the final.