Pakistan opener Saim Ayub has been released from the squad for the rest of the ODI tri-series against England and Sri Lanka so he can work on his batting in domestic cricket. Right-handed opener Sahibzada Farhan has been named as his replacement. The news came on Monday, 26 October 2026, according to Dawn. Here is what the board said, how the team stands in the series and what is still unknown.
What Happened
- Saim asked to return to domestic cricket to work on his batting and regain confidence, according to Dawn.
- He raised the request with head coach Mike Hesson. The team management and the national selection committee accepted it.
- Sahibzada Farhan replaces him for the rest of the tournament.
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) did not say how long Saim will play domestic cricket or what his selection plans are. Dawn reports that the board said Saim had given an honest view of his own form.
Who Is Sahibzada Farhan?
Farhan is a right-handed opener. He was left out of the original tri-series squad, Dawn says. He recently captained Pakistan’s T20I side against Sri Lanka and led the team at the Asian Games.
Saim’s Form
Dawn says Saim was dismissed for six in Pakistan’s one-wicket win over England at Gaddafi Stadium on Sunday, in a top-order collapse. Shadab Khan’s unbeaten 113 and a last-wicket stand with Haris Rauf won the match. The report does not give his other scores in the series.
Before the series, ARY News reported on 17 October that captain Shaheen Shah Afridi defended Saim’s place in the squad as an all-rounder, saying “We need his bowling because it provides a cushion for our fast bowlers.” Shaheen accepted that Saim had struggled in T20Is and in his last Test against England. He said that Saim had come straight from the CPL and that more ODI chances would help him find form.
Other Squad Changes
- On Sunday, left-handed batter Maaz Sadaqat, 21, joined the squad as cover for players with minor niggles.
- The PCB released left-arm wrist spinner Sufiyan Moqim and asked him to return to domestic cricket. It cited the Lahore pitches as the reason.
Where the Tri-Series Stands
- Pakistan, England and Sri Lanka are playing the series as preparation for next year’s ODI World Cup.
- Pakistan have qualified for the final after three straight wins, according to Dawn.
- Next, Pakistan play Sri Lanka at Gaddafi Stadium on Tuesday, 27 October.
- The final is on 31 October at the same ground.
What It Means
- Pakistan have already reached the final, so the team can try different openers without risking qualification.
- Releasing a player to play domestic cricket is a common way to help a batter find rhythm, though the PCB has not said whether Saim will return to the ODI side.
- Farhan will compete for an opening place with the other openers in the squad.
What Is Not Clear
- Which domestic team Saim will play for and for how long.
- Whether Farhan will play on Tuesday.
- Whether Saim will be considered for the ODI World Cup squad.
- Saim’s full scores in the tri-series.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why was Saim Ayub released?
He asked to go back to domestic cricket to work on his batting and regain confidence.
Who replaces him?
Sahibzada Farhan, a right-handed opener.
Has Pakistan qualified for the final?
Yes, after three straight wins, according to Dawn.
When is the final?
31 October at Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore.
When is Pakistan’s next match?
Tuesday, 27 October, against Sri Lanka at Gaddafi Stadium.
Will Saim play in the final?
No, he is released for the rest of the tournament.
For Saim, a spell in domestic cricket is a chance to rebuild confidence. For Pakistan, the tri-series final is a chance to test options before the World Cup.
