Akif Javed has been named as Haris Rauf’s replacement in Pakistan’s squad for the tri-series
Pakistan will take on South Africa in their final league-stage match of the tri-series on Wednesday.
Karachi: Left-arm pacer Akif Javed has been added to Pakistan’s squad for the ongoing tri-nation ODI series against South Africa and New Zealand.
Akif, who has featured in 23 first-class, 30 List-A, and 68 T20 matches, replaces Haris Rauf in the squad for the remainder of the series. The 24-year-old has claimed 169 wickets across formats in his professional career, including one five-wicket haul.
Rauf was sidelined after sustaining a muscular sprain in his lower chest and has been rested as a precautionary measure. However, the injury is not serious, and the right-arm pacer is expected to make a full recovery in time for the ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025, which Pakistan will host from February 19 to March 9.
“Following MRI and X-ray scans, it has been confirmed that Haris Rauf sustained a muscular sprain in the lower chest wall region during Saturday’s match against New Zealand,” the PCB stated.
“The injury is not serious, and he is expected to be fully recovered for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, which begins in Karachi on February 19. However, as part of his ongoing rehabilitation, he will not be available for selection against South Africa on February 12.”
Rauf left the field during the 38th over of New Zealand’s innings in the series opener at Gaddafi Stadium.
Pakistan will now face South Africa in their final league-stage match on Wednesday, aiming to secure a spot in the final alongside New Zealand.
Pakistan squad for the tri-nation series and Champions Trophy 2025:
Mohammad Rizwan (c), Babar Azam, Fakhar Zaman, Kamran Ghulam, Saud Shakeel, Tayyab Tahir, Faheem Ashraf, Khushdil Shah, Salman Ali Agha (vc), Usman Khan, Abrar Ahmed, Akif Javed, Mohammad Hasnain, Naseem Shah, and Shaheen Shah Afridi.
