Pakistan Shaheens Tweak Squad on Eve of Top End T20 Departure
Just hours before boarding their flight to Australia, Pakistan Shaheens have made unexpected last-minute adjustments to their squad for the upcoming Top End T20 Series, a move that signals both urgency and opportunity.
Haider Ali Out Amid Legal Troubles
The most notable omission is middle-order batter Haider Ali, who has been dropped following a criminal investigation in the UK. While the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has not provided detailed commentary on the case, the decision to axe Haider comes swiftly after the controversy surfaced, underlining the board’s zero-tolerance approach toward off-field misconduct.
In his place, Mohammad Faiq has been called up—an uncapped talent looking to prove himself on foreign pitches.
Wasim Jnr In, Salman Mirza Sidelined
In another change, fast bowler Mohammad Wasim Jnr has been added to the 15-man roster, replacing left-arm pacer Salman Mirza. Though the PCB hasn’t clarified why Mirza was pulled, his strong showing in recent fixtures against Bangladesh hints that he may be in line for a full international call-up, which would explain his omission from the A-team.
Wasim Jnr brings with him experience from senior national duty and could play a crucial role in the powerplay overs during the tournament.
Revised Squad for Top End T20 Series
- Muhammad Irfan Khan (captain)
- Abdul Samad
- Ahmed Daniyal
- Faisal Akram
- Khawaja Mohammad Nafay
- Maaz Sadaqat
- Mehran Mumtaz
- Mohammad Faiq
- Mohammad Wasim Jnr
- Muhammad Ghazi Ghori
- Mubasir Khan
- Saad Masood
- Shahid Aziz
- Ubaid Shah
- Yasir Khan
The Shaheens, led by Muhammad Irfan Khan, will be one of 11 teams vying for the Top End T20 title in Australia’s Northern Territory. The tournament runs from August 14 to 24, featuring a mix of international A squads, Australian Big Bash League sides, and regional development teams.
Pakistan Shaheens Fixture List (Local Time)
- Aug 14 – vs Bangladesh A | TIO Stadium | 7:00 PM
- Aug 16 – vs Scorchers | TIO Stadium | 4:00 PM
- Aug 18 – vs Renegades | TIO Stadium | 6:00 PM
- Aug 19 – vs Kingsmen | DXC Arena | 1:00 PM
- Aug 20 – vs Strikers | DXC Arena | 7:00 PM
- Aug 22 – vs Nepal | DXC Arena | 7:00 PM
- Aug 24 – Semi-finals & Final | Venue TBC | Time TBC
Bigger Stakes for Emerging Players
This tour offers far more than match practice. For many in the Shaheens squad, this is an audition for the senior national side. With selectors closely monitoring performances, the Top End T20 Series could act as a launching pad toward full international recognition.
The series also provides the players with exposure to Australian conditions, which differ significantly from subcontinental pitches—a valuable learning curve ahead of next year’s World T20.
As the team jets off to Darwin, all eyes will be on how these young guns handle pressure, expectation, and unfamiliar terrain.
