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Pakistan Shaheens have suffered an injury setback ahead of the Asia Cup Rising Stars 2026, as fast bowler Akif Javed has been ruled out of the tournament. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) confirmed that young pacer Ali Raza will replace him in the squad for the tournament in Qatar.
Akif was part of the original squad for the eight-team competition, but a knee injury has forced him to miss the tournament. Akif’s medical reports and MRI scan confirmed the injury, and the PCB has decided not to take any risk with his fitness.
Akif Javed ruled out as PCB names Ali Raza for Asia Cup Rising Stars 2026
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) medical team has asked Akif Javed to undergo a proper rehabilitation program along with strength and conditioning work. The left-arm fast bowler has now been advised to complete his recovery before returning to the action.
Read Also: Mike Hesson set to continue as Pakistan Test head coach until end of current WTC cycle.
His comeback process will include a step-by-step bowling program at the National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Lahore. The PCB Medical Department will closely monitor his progress.
Akif had continued to experience discomfort, which made the selectors rethink their decision. Considering the importance of the Asia Cup Rising Stars 2026, the selection committee decided to leave Akif out rather than risk making his injury worse.
Later, the Pakistan selectors named Ali Raza as Akif’s replacement for the Asia Cup Rising Stars 2026. The young fast bowler is currently representing Pakistan in the ongoing ACC Men's U19 Asia Cup 2026 and will now get an opportunity to play in the Rising Stars tournament.
Pakistan Shaheens to Face India on November 22
The ACC Rising Stars Asia Cup 2026 will be held in Doha from November 19 to 29. Defending champions Pakistan Shaheens will enter the competition under the captaincy of Abdul Samad.
Pakistan has been placed in Group B alongside India, Nepal, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The Shaheens will start their campaign against the UAE on November 20 before facing arch-rivals India on November 22. Their final group-stage match will be against Nepal on November 24.
The top two teams from each group will move into the semi-finals, which are scheduled for November 26 and 27. In the final of the ACC Rising Stars Asia Cup 2026 will be played on November 29. Pakistan will be keen to defend their title, and Ali Raza will now have a chance to make an impact and help the team continue its winning run.
Updated Pakistan Shaheens squad for Asia Cup Rising Stars 2026:
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.
Read Also: Babar Azam equals Misbah-ul-Haq’s Pakistan captaincy record during 1st Test against Sri Lanka.
Pakistan Shaheens Fixtures at Asia Cup Rising Stars 2026
- 20th November: vs United Arab Emirates – University of Doha Science and Technology.
- 22th November: vs India A – West End Park International Cricket Stadium.
- 24th November: vs Nepal – West End Park International Cricket Stadium.
- 26th November: First Semi-final – West End Park International Cricket Stadium.
- 27th November: Second Semi-final – West End Park International Cricket Stadium.
- 29th November: Final – West End Park International Cricket Stadium.
