Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has released opening batter Saim Ayub from the national squad for the remaining matches of the ongoing ODI tri-series, naming Sahibzada Farhan as his replacement.

In an announcement issued on Monday, October 26, the PCB said Ayub had requested permission to return to domestic cricket to improve his batting form and rebuild his confidence.

The decision followed discussions between the left-handed batter and Pakistan’s head coach, Mike Hesson. The team management and national selection committee accepted his request.

Ayub will now focus on improving his performances through domestic cricket, while Farhan joins the squad for the remaining stages of the tournament.

Ayub’s departure comes after a difficult run with the bat in the tri-series. He scored 21 runs across his first three innings, including six runs in Pakistan’s dramatic victory over England on October 25.

Returning to domestic cricket will give the opener an opportunity to gain match practice and work on his batting rhythm. The PCB has not announced a specific timeline for his return to the national ODI squad.

The selection committee has named Sahibzada Farhan as Ayub’s replacement. The opening batter has represented Pakistan in international cricket and recently captained the national T20I side.

Farhan’s inclusion gives Pakistan another option at the top of the batting order as the team prepares for the final stages of the competition. However, his selection in the squad does not guarantee a place in the playing XI, which will be decided by the team management.

Pakistan have already qualified for the ODI tri-series final after winning their first three matches. The team defeated Sri Lanka and England before securing another victory against England at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium on Sunday. Pakistan won that contest by one wicket, with Shadab Khan playing a decisive role in the successful chase.

Despite Ayub’s recent struggles, Pakistan’s winning run has placed the team in a strong position ahead of the final. The remaining league fixtures will provide an opportunity to assess the available players and prepare for the title-deciding match.

Pakistan are scheduled to face Sri Lanka in the fifth match of the ODI tri-series on Tuesday, October 27, 2026, at Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore. According to the PCB’s published schedule, the toss is set for 12:30pm Pakistan Standard Time, with play beginning at 1pm.

The match will give Pakistan another opportunity to assess its batting options before the final, while Sri Lanka will look to make an impact in the closing stages of the tournament.

Meanwhile, Ayub will return to domestic cricket with the aim of regaining confidence and improving his batting performances. His future selection will depend on his performances and the national selectors’ decisions.

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Pakistan will turn their attention to the upcoming match against Sri Lanka before the tri-series final, scheduled for October 31 at Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore.