Saim Ayub Steps Away from Pakistan Tri-Series Squad to Rebuild Batting Form

Pakistan opener Saim Ayub has been released from the national squad for the ongoing ODI tri-series at his own request, the Pakistan Cricket Board announced on Monday, October 26, 2026, so that he can return to domestic cricket and work on his batting form. Sahibzada Farhan has been named as his replacement for the remainder of the series.

What happened?

The PCB said Ayub requested the move after a conversation with head coach Mike Hesson, and that the team management and the national selection committee mutually agreed to accept it. The board’s statement said: “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.”

Key details

• Ayub, 24, has scored 6, 8 and 7 in his three innings in the tri-series.
• He was dismissed for six in Pakistan’s one-wicket win over England at Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore, on Sunday, a match in which the top order collapsed before Shadab Khan’s unbeaten 113 rescued the side.
• Farhan, the newly appointed T20I captain, was not part of Pakistan’s original ODI tri-series squad.
• Pakistan have already qualified for the final after winning their first three matches and remain the only unbeaten side.
• Pakistan face Sri Lanka at Gaddafi Stadium on Tuesday, October 27, before the final on October 31.

What it means for people in Pakistan

For fans, the move is a reminder that even established young players can choose domestic cricket to rediscover form rather than carry a slump through a home series. It also opens an ODI opportunity for Farhan, whose recent T20 form earned him the T20I captaincy, and it keeps the spotlight on Pakistan’s top order ahead of the final.

Source: https://www.cricbuzz.com/cricket-news/140655/saim-ayub-released-from-pakistan-odi-squad-cricbuzzcom