Saim Ayub leaves Pakistan's ODI tri-series squad to rebuild batting form
Synopsis
Saim Ayub's voluntary exit from Pakistan's ODI tri-series squad — after three single-digit scores — is a rare public admission of a form crisis, even as Pakistan march into the final unbeaten. Shadab Khan's jaw-dropping 10th-wicket century against England has already made this series one for the ages.
Key Takeaways
Saim Ayub was released from Pakistan's ODI tri-series squad on 26 October at his own request to focus on batting form.
He scored in single digits in all three ODIs he played in the series.
Sahibzada Farhan , the newly-appointed T20I captain , has been named as his replacement.
Pakistan have won all three group matches and have already qualified for the tri-series final .
Shadab Khan hit an unbeaten 113 off 96 balls and shared a 10th-wicket stand of 89 runs with Haris Rauf to seal a one-wicket win over England .
Pakistan batter Saim Ayub has been released from the national squad for the ongoing ODI tri-series against England and Sri Lanka, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) confirmed on Monday, 26 October. The 23-year-old left-hander made the request himself after a string of low scores exposed a dip in confidence at the international level.
The Form Struggle That Prompted the Exit
Saim had managed just three single-digit scores across as many ODIs in the tri-series, compounding what has been a difficult patch with the bat. The decision to step away was driven by the player himself, following a conversation with head coach. PCB quoted the player's camp as saying: '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.'
The board added: '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.' It is a notably candid acknowledgement of a young batter struggling to translate domestic promise into international consistency.
Sahibzada Farhan Named as Replacement
Sahibzada Farhan, Pakistan's newly-appointed T20I captain, has been drafted into the squad as Saim's replacement for the remainder of the series. Farhan was not originally selected in the tri-series squad, making his addition a direct response to the vacancy created by Saim's departure.
Pakistan's Dominant Run in the Series
Pakistan's off-field reshuffle comes against the backdrop of an on-field performance that has been nothing short of commanding. The hosts have won all three of their matches and are the only unbeaten side in the competition, having already secured their place in the final.
The most dramatic of those victories came against England in their third group match at the Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore, where Shadab Khan struck his maiden ODI century — an unbeaten 113 off 96 balls — to anchor a stunning chase. Shadab and Haris Rauf (7) added an unbroken 89 runs for the 10th wicket, steering Pakistan to a one-wicket win in the 48th over while chasing 242.
Earlier in the series, Pakistan had defeated Sri Lanka by 37 runs at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium after posting 305, and then rolled past England by 87 runs after making 302/9 at the same venue.
What Happens Next
Saim will return to domestic cricket to work on his game, a path that several Pakistan batters have used successfully in the past to recalibrate before international re-selection. With the tri-series final now secured, Pakistan's management faces fresh selection questions heading into the knockout stage, where Farhan's inclusion adds a new dynamic to the batting order.
Point of View
This is a management that chose candour over spin — but it also underlines a deeper concern about Pakistan's ODI batting depth when a top-order batter cannot hold his place despite a team that keeps winning. Shadab Khan's fairytale century has temporarily masked the fragility in the top order; the final will test whether that fragility matters. The addition of Farhan — a T20 specialist dropped into an ODI set-up mid-series — adds intrigue but also raises questions about the selectors' long-term ODI planning.
NationPress
26 Oct 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Why was Saim Ayub released from Pakistan's ODI tri-series squad?
Saim Ayub requested to leave the squad himself after scoring in single digits in all three ODIs he played in the series. The PCB confirmed he wanted to return to domestic cricket to work on his batting form and regain confidence, a decision the team management and national selection committee mutually accepted.
Who replaced Saim Ayub in Pakistan's tri-series squad?
Sahibzada Farhan, Pakistan's newly-appointed T20I captain, was named as the replacement. Farhan had not originally been selected for the tri-series squad.
How has Pakistan performed in the ODI tri-series so far?
Pakistan have won all three of their group-stage matches and are the only unbeaten side in the competition. They have already qualified for the tri-series final.
What happened in Pakistan's one-wicket win over England?
Shadab Khan scored an unbeaten 113 off 96 balls and put on an unbroken 89-run stand for the 10th wicket with Haris Rauf (7) to chase down 242 at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore, securing a one-wicket win in the 48th over.
Where is the ODI tri-series between Pakistan, England, and Sri Lanka being held?
The series is being played in Pakistan, with matches held at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium and the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore.
