Pakistan's Tri-Series Squad Updated: Saim Ayub Released, Sahibzada Farhan In
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) confirms that Saim Ayub has been released from the Men’s ODI squad for the remainder of the ongoing tri-series.
After a conversation with the head coach, Saim requested a desire to return to domestic cricket to work on his batting form and regain confidence.
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 national selection committee has subsequently named Sahibzada Farhan as Saim’s replacement for the remainder of the tri-series.
Pakistan having qualified for the final with three consecutive wins, will face Sri Lanka in the fifth match of the tri-series at Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore on Tuesday, 27 October.
Saim Ayub’s Recent ODI Form
The 24-year-old has built a strong record in the 50-over format since making his international debut. He has scored 772 runs in 20 ODIs at an average of 40.63, including three centuries and three half-centuries.
His recent returns, however, have been less consistent. Ayub has accumulated 257 runs at an average of 23.36 across his last 11 ODI innings, with two half-centuries during that stretch.
His struggles continued in the tri-series, where he managed only 21 runs across three appearances. He scored six in Pakistan’s latest match against England on Sunday.
Sahibzada Farhan Gets an ODI Call-Up
Sahibzada Farhan replaces Saim Ayub in the squad for the remainder of the tournament. The right-handed batter currently captains Pakistan’s T20I side and now has another opportunity to feature in the ODI setup.
He has played six ODIs for Pakistan, scoring 101 runs at an average of 16.83. His international experience in the format remains limited compared with Ayub’s.
Pakistan have already qualified for the tri-series final after winning three consecutive matches. Their latest victory came against England, when Shadab Khan and Haris Rauf produced a remarkable last-wicket stand to complete a one-wicket chase.
