Pakistan's Akif Javed Earns National Call-Up After Impressive BPL Performance

While the extent of Bangladesh's preparation for the Champions Trophy through the ongoing BPL remains uncertain, a few Pakistani cricketers have secured spots in their national team thanks to strong performances in the tournament. Following Khushdil Shah and Faheem Ashraf, pacer Akif Javed, who played for Rangpur Riders, has now earned a call-up to Pakistan's national team.

This marks Akif Javed's first-ever inclusion in the national squad. The left-arm pacer caught the attention of selectors with his exceptional bowling in the BPL, where he took 20 wickets in 11 matches at an economy rate of just 6.89.

Pakistan is currently playing in the Tri-Nation Series, and Akif has been called up due to an injury to fast bowler Haris Rauf. Rauf suffered a side strain in the first match of the series against New Zealand, and medical advice has recommended rest. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is hopeful that Rauf will recover before the start of the Champions Trophy on home soil.

In first-class cricket, Akif has taken 52 wickets in 23 matches, and in List A cricket, he has claimed 33 wickets in 30 matches. Akif has also featured in three seasons of the Pakistan Super League (PSL), picking up 18 wickets.

Akif's impressive BPL campaign follows in the footsteps of Khushdil Shah and Faheem Ashraf, who also earned national team call-ups after stellar performances in the tournament. Khushdil Shah has already been included in Pakistan's squad for the Champions Trophy.