PCB Confirms Akif Javed's Replacement for Pakistan Shaheens

LAHORE: Defending champions Pakistan Shaheens will enter the ACC Rising Stars Asia Cup 2026 under Abdul Samad's captaincy, with a 15-player squad selected for the November 19-29 competition in Doha. Their campaign includes group-stage meetings with the UAE, India A and Nepal as they look to secure another place in the tournament's knockout rounds.

The squad includes Mohammad Hasnain, Ahmed Daniyal, Danish Aziz, Haider Ali and wicketkeeper Rohail Nazir. Young batter Farhan Yousuf and all-rounder Maaz Sadaqat are also part of the lineup.

A late adjustment has brought Ali Raza into the group as PCB confirms Akif Javed's replacement following the left-arm fast bowler's withdrawal on medical grounds. Ali is currently playing in the ACC Men's U19 Asia Cup 2026 and will now have an opportunity to feature in the Shaheens' campaign.

Pakistan's selection committee made the change after Akif continued to experience discomfort. Medical examinations and MRI findings confirmed a knee injury, ruling him out of the competition. The PCB has assigned him a rehabilitation programme, including strength and conditioning work, before he progresses to supervised bowling sessions at the National Cricket Academy.

Three Group Matches Stand Between Pakistan and the Semi-Finals

Pakistan's opening assignment is against the UAE on November 20 at the University of Doha Science and Technology. They will then meet India A on November 22 before closing their group campaign against Nepal on November 24.

West End Park International Cricket Stadium will host the latter two fixtures, along with both semi-finals and the final. Under the competition format, the leading two teams from each group will qualify for the last four.

The semi-finals will take place on November 26 and 27, while the championship match is scheduled for November 29.

Updated Pakistan Shaheens Squad

Abdul Samad (c), Ahmed Daniyal, Ali Raza, Danish Aziz, Farhan Yousuf, Haider Ali, Hasan Nawaz, Maaz Sadaqat, Mohammad Hasnain, Muhammad Imran Randhawa, Rohail Nazir (wk), Saad Masood, Shahzaib Khan, Shamyl Hussain and Sufyan Moqim.

Also read: Rising Stars Asia Cup Schedule