Saim Ayub leaves Pakistan's ODI squad before tri-series final; Sahibzada Farhan called up

Saim Ayub was released from Pakistan’s squad for the ODI Tri-Series involving Pakistan, England and Sri Lanka on October 26, 2026, just before the final; the 24-year-old asked to be let go and has been replaced by Sahibzada Farhan.

Pakistan have won all three of their matches in the tri-series and have already secured a place in the final. The hosts opened the tournament with a 37-run victory over Sri Lanka in Rawalpindi and later recorded an 87-run win over England at the same venue; the team’s results to date mean they have qualified for the decider. The hosts have made an impressive start to the tournament.

Ayub, 24, requested his release from the national squad citing a struggle for runs. He has registered three single-digit scores in three games so far in the tri-series. The decision followed a conversation between Ayub and the head coach, according to Pakistan Cricket Board communications.

On the move, the PCB said: “After a conversation with the head coach, Saim expressed a desire to return to domestic cricket to work on his batting form and regain confidence,” the PCB said in a statement. “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,” the statement read. The PCB announced Sahibzada Farhan as Ayub’s replacement in the ODI squad for the tri-series.

Sahibzada Farhan was recently appointed Pakistan’s T20I captain and was not initially named in the ODI squad. He has played only six ODI matches so far and has now been given another opportunity to represent Pakistan in this format. The selection brings Farhan into the squad ahead of the final.

Pakistan secured their place in the final after defeating England in a thriller in Lahore; Shadab Khan’s century was central to that win. Pakistan chased down the 242-run target, with Shadab scoring 113 runs off 96 balls. That innings propelled Pakistan to a one-wicket victory in the 48th over.

Pakistan will contest the tri-series final with Sahibzada Farhan replacing Saim Ayub in the squad; the change takes effect immediately as the team prepares for the decider.