The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) on Monday announced fast bowler Ali Raza as a replacement for injured Akif Javed in the Pakistan Shaheens squad for the ACC Rising Stars Asia Cup 2026 in Qatar. According to the PCB, medical examinations and an MRI scan confirmed a knee injury to Akif Javed, who has been advised to undergo rehabilitation before returning to competitive cricket.
The PCB medical team has recommended a strength and conditioning programme for the left-arm pacer, followed by a gradual return to cricketing activities.
His rehabilitation will also include a phased bowling programme at the National Cricket Academy (NCA) under the supervision of the board’s medical department. Akif was initially included in the Shaheens squad for the tournament. However, due to persistent discomfort and the importance of ensuring his full recovery, the selection committee decided against risking his fitness.
Following the medical assessment, Ali Raza was selected as his replacement. The young fast bowler is currently representing Pakistan in the ongoing ACC Men’s U19 Asia Cup 2026.
The eight-team ACC Rising Stars Asia Cup will take place in Doha from November 19 to 29, with defending champions Pakistan Shaheens set to be led by middle-order batter Abdul Samad.
Pakistan have been placed in Group B alongside India, Nepal and the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The Shaheens will open their campaign against the UAE on November 20 before taking on arch-rivals India A on November 22. Their final group-stage fixture will be against Nepal on November 24.
According to the tournament format, the top two teams from each group will advance to the semi-finals, scheduled for November 26 and 27. The final will be played on November 29.
Pakistan Shaheens squad
Abdul Samad (captain), Ahmed Daniyal, Ali Raza, Danish Aziz, Farhan Yousuf, Haider Ali, Hassan Nawaz, Maaz Sadaqat, Mohammad Hasnain, Mohammad Imran Randhawa, Rohail Nazir (wicketkeeper), Saad Masood, Shahzaib Khan, Shamil Hussain and Sufiyan Muqeem.
Pakistan Shaheens’ match schedule (Pakistan Time)
· November 20: Pakistan Shaheens vs UAE – 11:00 am, University of Doha for Science and Technology.
· November 22: Pakistan Shaheens vs India A – 3:00 pm, West End Park International Cricket Stadium.
· November 24: Pakistan Shaheens vs Nepal – 3:00 pm, West End Park International Cricket Stadium.
· November 26: First Semi-final – 3:00 pm, West End Park International Cricket Stadium.
· November 27: Second Semi-final – 3:00 pm, West End Park International Cricket Stadium.
· November 29: Final – 3:00 pm, West End Park International Cricket Stadium.
