Sahibzada Farhan Replaces Saim Ayub in Pakistan's ODI Tri-Series Squad

Saim Ayub Replaced: Pakistan has replaced top-order batter Saim Ayub with Sahibzada Farhan for the remainder of the ongoing ODI tri-series involving England and Sri Lanka.

Return to Domestic Cricket: According to a PCB media release, the decision came after a conversation with head coach Mike Hesson where Ayub expressed a desire to return to domestic cricket to work on his batting form and regain confidence.

Ayub's franchise commitments and international duty kept him away from the President's Trophy. While he was in the West Indies playing for Jamaica Kingsmen in the CPL during the first two rounds of the tournament, he then joined the Pakistan side for the Asian Games in Japan and the home season.

His return to domestic cricket, however, could come next month at the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy, Pakistan's premier first-class competition.

On Sunday, the PCB, less than two hours before the match between Pakistan and England in Lahore, had announced the inclusion of another top-order batter in Maaz Sadaqat in the squad at the expense of left-arm wristspinner Sufyan Moqim.

Performance & Struggles

Poor Form: Ayub scored only 21 runs across three matches during the tri-series, continuing a difficult run in 2026 where he averages just 16.55 across 19 matches in all formats.

Top-Order Woes: Pakistan's top three (Saim Ayub, Fakhar Zaman, and Babar Azam) averaged a combined 15.11 during the series, contributing to an overall top-order average of 19.81—the lowest among all ODI teams this year. Following their win against England, captain Shaheen Afridi had hinted at an impending reshuffle.

Additional Squad Adjustments

Recent Changes: This swap follows another recent tweak where Maaz Sadaqat was added to the squad ahead of the England match at the expense of left-arm wristspinner Sufyan Moqim.

Domestic Outlook: While Ayub requested a return to domestic cricket, his next competitive action will likely come in November during the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy, as he is not part of the ongoing President's Trophy final.