Pakistan have already qualified for the tri-series final after securing three consecutive victories.

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

According to the PCB, Saim discussed his decision with head coach Mike Hesson, following which the team management and national selection committee agreed to his 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 Struggles for Runs in Tri-Series

The decision comes after Saim endured a difficult run in the tri-series, including a six-run dismissal during Pakistan’s dramatic one-wicket victory over England at Gaddafi Stadium on Sunday.

His early departure contributed to Pakistan’s top-order collapse, leaving the hosts in a precarious position before Shadab Khan’s unbeaten 113 and an unbroken last-wicket partnership with Haris Rauf secured a remarkable victory.

Concerns about Saim’s form had also emerged ahead of the England match, with Pakistan captain Shaheen Shah Afridi acknowledging the selection options available to the team amid inconsistent performances from the opening batters.

The PCB did not specify how long Saim would spend playing domestic cricket or provide details about his prospects for future selection.

Sahibzada Farhan Returns to ODI Squad

Farhan’s inclusion follows the addition of left-handed batter Maaz Sadaqat to the squad a day earlier.

Maaz was brought in as cover for players dealing with minor injuries after left-arm wrist spinner Sufiyan Moqim was released from the squad. The PCB cited the nature of the Lahore pitches and asked Sufiyan to return to domestic cricket.

The 21-year-old Maaz, who was initially omitted from the tri-series squad, is an occasional left-arm orthodox spinner. He will remain with the squad alongside Farhan for the rest of the tournament.

Farhan returns to Pakistan’s ODI setup after being left out of the original squad for the tri-series. Earlier this month, he was appointed captain of Pakistan’s T20I side for the series against Sri Lanka and also led the national team at the Asian Games.

Pakistan Prepare for Sri Lanka Clash

Pakistan have already qualified for the tri-series final after securing three consecutive victories.

They will face Sri Lanka in the fifth match of the competition at Gaddafi Stadium on Tuesday, while the final is scheduled for October 31 at the same venue.

The ongoing tri-series, featuring Pakistan, England and Sri Lanka, forms part of the teams’ preparations for next year’s ODI World Cup.

Tuesday’s match against Sri Lanka will give Pakistan an opportunity to assess their available options ahead of the final.