Left-arm pacer Akif Javed on Tuesday, has been included in Pakistan's squad for the ongoing tri-nation ODI series against South Africa and New Zealand.
Akif, who has played 23 first-class, 30 List-A and 68 T20s, will replace Haris Rauf in the home side's contingent for the series.
The left-arm pacer has thus far taken 169 wickets across formats in his budding professional career, one five-wicket haul.
The development came after Rauf sustained a muscular sprain in the lower chest and as a 'precautionary measure', was rested for the upcoming matches.
Notably, the extent of the injury is not serious and the right-arm speedster is likely to fully recover for the ICC Men's Champions Trophy 2025, set to be hosted by Pakistan from February 19 to March 9.
"Following MRI and X-ray scans, it has been confirmed that Pakistan fast bowler Haris Rauf sustained a muscular sprain in the lower chest wall region during Saturday's match against New Zealand," PCB shared in a statement.
"The injury is not serious and he is expected to be fully recovered for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, which commences in Karachi on 19 February.
"However, as a precautionary measure and part of his ongoing rehabilitation, he will not be available for selection against South Africa on 12 February."
Remember, Rauf left the field midway during the 38th over of New Zealand's innings in the opening match of the series at the Gaddafi Stadium on Saturday.
For the unversed, Pakistan next take on South Africa in the last league match of the tri-nation ODI series on Wednesday in a bid to join New Zealand in the final.
Pakistan squad: 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.
S Africa get major boost
The return of key players have bolstered South Africa's squad ahead of their crucial tri-nation ODI series match against hosts Pakistan, scheduled to be played at the National Bank Stadium here on Wednesday.
According to the details, three senior players Keshav Maharaj, Heinrich Klaasen and Tony de Zorzi, alongside new-comers Kwena Maphaka and Corbin Bosch joined the Proteas' camp here and will also be available for selection for the upcoming match.
Meanwhile, Temba Bavuma-led South Africa's inexperienced squad, which suffered a six-wicket thrashing in their campaign opener against New Zealand, reached here from Lahore in the morning.
Upon their arrival, South Africa's squad participated in a detailed training session to boost their preparations for the high-stakes encounter, while New Zealand, who have already punched their ticket to the final with back-to-back victories, will rest today.
Meanwhile, Pakistan, who will take on South Africa on Wednesday for a place in the final, will also enjoy a rest day today.
South Africa squad for tri-nation ODI series remainder: Temba Bavuma (c), Eathan Bosch, Corbin Bosch, Matthew Breetzke, Junior Dala, Tony de Zorzi, Heinrich Klaasen, Keshav Maharaj, Kwena Maphaka, Wiaan Mulder, Mihlali Mpongwana, Senuran Muthusamy, Gideon Peters, Lungi Ngidi, Meeka-eel Prince, Tabraiz Shamsi, Jason Smith, Kyle Verreynne.
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