Saim Ayub Released, Sahibzada Farhan Named Pakistan Replacement

ISLAMABAD: (Mudassar Iqbal) – The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has released out-of-form opening batter Saim Ayub from the national men’s ODI squad for the remainder of the ongoing tri-series, with Sahibzada Farhan named as his replacement.

According to the PCB, Saim requested permission to return to domestic cricket after discussing his current form with the head coach. He intends to work on his batting and regain confidence.

The team management and national selection committee accepted his request, appreciating his honest assessment of his performance. Farhan, who is currently participating in the Nepal Premier League in Kathmandu, will return to Pakistan on the first available flight.

Pakistan have qualified for the tri-series final after securing three consecutive victories. The national side will face Sri Lanka in the fifth match of the series at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium on Tuesday.

Saim has struggled to make an impact with the bat during the ongoing competition. He scored seven runs against Sri Lanka and managed eight and six runs in Pakistan’s two matches against England.

Earlier, left-arm wrist-spinner Sufiyan Moqim was also released from the Pakistan men’s squad in view of the nature of the Lahore pitches. He will return to domestic cricket.

Meanwhile, left-handed batter Maaz Sadaqat has been added to the squad as cover for players dealing with minor niggles.