Saim Ayub released from Pakistan squad for remainder of tri-series

Pakistan opener Saim Ayub has been released from the national squad for the remainder of the ongoing One-day International tri-series after requesting to return to domestic cricket to work on his batting form and regain confidence, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) said on Monday.

The PCB said the decision followed a discussion between Saim and head coach Mike Hesson. The team management and national selection committee agreed to accept the opener’s request.

“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 board said in a statement.

Right-handed batter Sahibzada Farhan has been named as Saim’s replacement for the remainder of the tournament.

Saim’s release comes after a difficult run in the tri-series, including his dismissal for six runs during Pakistan’s one-wicket victory over England at the Gaddafi Stadium on Sunday.

His early dismissal contributed to Pakistan’s top-order collapse, leaving the team in a difficult position before Shadab Khan’s unbeaten 113 and an unbroken last-wicket partnership with Haris Rauf secured the win.

Concerns over the form of Pakistan’s opening batters had also been raised ahead of the match, with captain Shaheen Shah Afridi acknowledging the selection options available to the team.

The PCB did not specify how long Saim would play domestic cricket or outline any future selection plans.

The latest change follows the addition of left-handed batter Maaz Sadaqat to the squad a day earlier as cover for players carrying minor niggles. Left-arm wrist spinner Sufiyan Moqim was released from the squad and asked to return to domestic cricket, with the PCB citing the nature of the Lahore pitches.