Pakistan bring Ali Raza into Shaheens squad after Akif Javed injury

LAHORE: Pakistan Shaheens have brought fast bowler Ali Raza into their squad for the ACC Men’s Rising Stars Asia Cup after Akif Javed was ruled out of the tournament with a knee injury.

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) said an MRI scan had confirmed the injury. Akif has been advised to stay away from cricket until he completes his fitness rehabilitation programme.

He will undergo rehabilitation at the National Cricket Academy (NCA), with his return to bowling planned through a gradual, step-by-step programme.

Pakistan Shaheens’ group-stage fixtures

The tournament, scheduled to run from November 19 to 29 in Doha, Qatar, features eight teams divided into two groups.

Pakistan Shaheens are in Group B alongside India A, Nepal and the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

They will begin their campaign against the UAE on November 20 at 11am Pakistan time at the University of Doha for Science and Technology Ground.

Pakistan will face India A in their second group-stage match on November 22 at 3pm at the West End Park International Cricket Stadium.

Their final group match will be against Nepal on November 24 at 3pm at the same venue.

Complete tournament schedule

The 15-match tournament comprises 12 group-stage fixtures, two semi-finals and a final.

November 19: Bangladesh A vs Hong Kong (11am); Sri Lanka A vs Afghanistan A (3pm)

November 20: Pakistan Shaheens vs UAE (11am); India A vs Nepal (3pm)

November 21: Sri Lanka A vs Hong Kong (11am); Bangladesh A vs Afghanistan A (3pm)

November 22: UAE vs Nepal (11am); India A vs Pakistan Shaheens (3pm)

November 23: Afghanistan A vs Hong Kong (11am); Sri Lanka A vs Bangladesh A (3pm)

November 24: India A vs UAE (11am); Pakistan Shaheens vs Nepal (3pm)

Knockout stage

The first semi-final, between A1 and B2, will be played on November 26 at 3pm. The second semi-final, between B1 and A2, is scheduled for November 27 at the same time.

The final will take place on November 29 at 3pm.