Saim Ayub Released From Pakistan ODI Squad as Sahibzada Farhan Named Replacement

Pakistan opener Saim Ayub has been released from the men's ODI squad for the remainder of the ongoing tri-series, with Sahibzada Farhan named as his replacement. The Pakistan Cricket Board confirmed the move on Monday, saying Ayub had spoken with head coach Mike Hesson about his form and that the pair decided it would be in his best interests to return to domestic cricket in the short term. After a conversation with the coach, Ayub requested to step away to work on his batting and regain confidence, and the team management and selection committee mutually agreed to accept the request.
Ayub has endured a difficult run, failing to reach double figures in any of his three innings in the tri-series and managing just 21 runs across those matches. His struggles extend further back: he has averaged only 16.55 in 19 appearances for Pakistan across all three formats in 2026, with just one half-century-plus score, against Australia in February. Farhan, who has recent experience in Pakistan's shortest-format side and captained the T20I team against Sri Lanka earlier this month, now gets his chance at the top of the order in the 50-over format.
The change comes with Pakistan already assured of a place in the tri-series final after three consecutive wins. The hosts face Sri Lanka in the fifth match of the series at Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore on Tuesday, October 27 — a game that now doubles as an audition for Farhan to press his case for the final. For Ayub, the honest admission of poor form and a return to domestic cricket is a reset aimed at rebuilding the confidence that once made him one of Pakistan's most exciting young batters.
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