Saim Ayub released from Pakistan tri-series squad, Sahibzada Farhan called up

Pakistan have released young opener Saim Ayub from their ODI tri-series squad, the Pakistan Cricket Board confirmed on Monday. The move came at Ayub’s own request, after a conversation with head coach Mike Hesson, so he can return to domestic cricket and work on his batting form.

A request the board accepted

In its statement, the PCB said the team management and the national selection committee had agreed to the request, respecting what it called Ayub’s honest assessment of his own form. The wording matters: this was framed not as a sacking but as a player asking for time away to rebuild his confidence.

Three matches, 21 runs

The numbers explain why. Ayub managed 6, 8 and 7 in his three outings in the tri-series — 21 runs in all. On Sunday in Lahore, he fell for 6 to debutant Henry Crocombe against England, long before Shadab Khan’s unbeaten 113 dragged Pakistan to a one-wicket win and a place in the final.

Farhan steps in

His replacement is Sahibzada Farhan, the T20I captain, who has played six ODIs for Pakistan. Farhan was not part of the original tri-series squad. Reports say he is currently in Kathmandu for the Nepal Premier League and will fly back on the first available flight to join the side.

Second change in two days

It is the second squad change in as many days. On Sunday, left-arm spinner Sufyan Moqim was released, with the nature of the Lahore pitches cited, and young batter Maaz Sadaqat was called up as cover. Pakistan, unbeaten after three matches, face Sri Lanka in their final league game at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium on Tuesday, with the final at the same venue on October 31.