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Derbyshire Falcons have named Pakistan fast bowler Akif Javed as Sufyan Moqim’s replacement for the T20 Blast.
Earlier this year, Derbyshire signed Sufyan for the T20 Blast. However, he will not be available for the first half of the tournament due to national duty.
The announcement was confirmed in a press release statement.
“Javed, 25, has experience of playing under Mickey Arthur through spells with Rangpur Riders in the Bangladesh Premier League and Ajman Titans in the 2025 Abu Dhabi T10, where he was among the competition’s leading wicket takers,” the press release wrote.
“He replaces Sufyan Moqim, who will be unable to fulfil his planned stint for the first half of the competition due to a recent change to international commitments,” it added.
Akif Javed has played three ODIs for Pakistan, picking up seven wickets at an average of 23.57, including a four-wicket haul.
Following the signing, Derbyshire Head of Cricket Micky Arthur rued Sufyan’s absence and hailed Akif as a top bowler whom he had previously worked with.
“When we were notified that Sufyan wouldn’t be joining us, we were naturally disappointed, but it presented us with an opportunity to change the balance of our lineup, and Akif was at the very top of my list,” he said.
“He’s someone I’ve worked with before and I’ve been keeping a close eye on his development, because I think he will be perfect for English conditions,” he added.
He highlighted the squad’s balance after suffering injury setbacks, referring Akif to a potent left-arm pace bowler.
“With Pat Brown and Harry Moore currently out with injury, and Luis Reece unable to bowl, we have elected to add some international quality to our pace attack, and some variation with Akif being a left-armer.”
Meanwhile, Akif expressed his excitement about playing in the tournament for the first time. He also aimed to win games for his side and expressed eagerness to play alongside his teammates.
“I’m very excited to play in the Vitality Blast for the first time and to work with Mickey Arthur once again.
“I want to entertain supporters and give everything to win games for Derbyshire Falcons, I know we have some really good players in our squad and I can’t wait to play alongside them.”
The T20 Blast is scheduled to run from May 22 to July 18.
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