Left-arm pacer Akif Javed on Tuesday has been included in Pakistan’s crew for the progressing tri-country ODI series against South Africa and New Zealand.
Akif, who has played 23 top-of-the-line, 30 List A, and 68 T20 matches, will replace Haris Rauf in the home side’s contingent for the series. The left-arm pacer has 169 wickets across formats in his budding professional career, one five-wicket haul.
PCB later affirmed that Rauf suffered a muscular sprain in his lower chest wall, but medical specialists assured him that the injury wasn’t serious. However, he is expected to recover in time for the Champions Trophy; team management has opted for caution, sidelining him from the Tri-Nation Series to help his rehabilitation cycle. Akif Javed, a 24-year-old fast bowler from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, has procured his spot in the squad following a series of great performances in domestic and franchise cricket.
Remaining at 6 feet 1 inch, Akif acquired attention with his performances in the Bangladesh Premier League, which ultimately convinced the selectors to offer him a chance at the global level.
The left-arm quick first made his mark in Pakistan’s domestic circuit in 2019 when he debuted in first-class cricket. He was part of Balochistan’s squad in the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy and later displayed his abilities in the National T20 Cup. His exposure to high-pressure T20 leagues came when he addressed Islamabad United in the Pakistan Super League (PSL) in 2020. Akif later proceeded to play for Lahore Qalandars and Karachi Kings, making him a balanced expansion to Pakistan’s fast-bowling arsenal.
With his inclusion in the team, Akif Javed now has a golden opportunity to make his One-Day International (ODI) debut for Pakistan. The final decision regarding his participation against South Africa will be taken by the team management closer to the match.
While Haris Rauf’s absence is a blow for Pakistan’s pace attack, PCB stays optimistic about his accessibility for the Champions Trophy, which starts on February 19 in Karachi. Pakistan, as defending champions and hosts will intend to hold their title. Rauf’s recovery will be closely monitored, as his experience and ability to deliver under pressure will be important for Pakistan’s ambitions on the global stage.