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Haider Shah Replaces Zohaib in UAE T20 World Cup Squad on Mental Welfare Grounds

The ICC has approved wicketkeeper-batter Haider Shah as a replacement for Muhammad Zohaib in the UAE squad for the remainder of the T20 World Cup. Zohaib was withdrawn from the squad due to concerns over his mental well-being and team welfare. The UAE team suffered a heavy 10-wicket defeat in their opening match against New Zealand. New Zealand's openers, Tim Seifert and Finn Allen, set a T20 World Cup record with a 175-run partnership during that match.

Key Points: Haider Shah replaces Zohaib in UAE T20 World Cup squad

  • Haider Shah approved as replacement
  • Zohaib withdrawn for mental welfare
  • UAE lost opening match by 10 wickets
  • New Zealand openers set record partnership
2 min read

Haider Shah replaces Zohaib in UAE squad for remainder of T20 World Cup

UAE's Muhammad Zohaib withdrawn from T20 World Cup for mental well-being, replaced by wicketkeeper-batter Haider Shah for the remainder of the tournament.

"Zohaib was withdrawn from the squad due to player mental well-being and team welfare issues. - ICC Statement"

Dubai, February 11

Wicketkeeper-batter Haider Shah has been confirmed as a replacement for Muhammad Zohaib in the UAE squad for the remainder of the ICC Men's T20 World Cup.

The Event Technical Committee of the Men's T20 World Cup has approved Haider Shah as a replacement for Muhammad Zohaib in the UAE squad, according to an ICC statement on Wednesday.

Haider, who has played 16 T20Is, was named as a replacement after Zohaib was withdrawn from the squad due to player mental well-being and team welfare issues.

The replacement of a player requires the approval of the Event Technical Committee (ETC) before the player can be officially added to the squad, the statement said

The ETC of the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026 consists of Wasim Khan - ICC General Manager - Cricket (ICC Representative), Gaurav Saxena (IBC Representative), Hemang Amin (Host Representative), Shaun Pollock (Independent Representative).

UAE suffered a thrashing 10-wicket defeat in their opening group stage match against the Mitchell Santner-led New Zealand on Tuesday. The Black Caps successfully chased the target of 174 runs with 28 balls to spare.

Openers Tim Seifert (89 not out off 42 balls) and Finn Allen (84 not out off 50 balls) took the Blackcaps past the target in just 15.2 overs.

New Zealand are unbeaten in this World Cup with two wins in as many matches. While chasing the target, Allen hit five fours and as many sixes, whereas Seifert hit 12 fours and three sixes. The duo added 175 runs for the first wicket, which is also the highest partnership for any wicket in T20 World Cups.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

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Sarah B
That opening partnership by NZ was brutal to watch. 175 runs without losing a wicket! UAE's bowling attack needs a serious rethink. Tough debut for Haider if the team morale is already low.
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Arjun K
Respect for being open about "player mental well-being". A few years back, this would just be called "unavailable due to personal reasons". Progress. All the best to Haider Shah.
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Priya S
The UAE team is like a second home team for many of us in India with so many familiar faces. Hope they bounce back. That loss must have been demoralizing. Haider, go show your talent! 💪
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Vikram M
While the focus on mental health is good, the article buries the lead. A 10-wicket thrashing with 28 balls left is the real story. UAE's cricket board needs to invest more in grassroots if they want to compete at this level. Just being honest.
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Karthik V
Tim Seifert and Finn Allen were on fire! As an Indian fan, watching such power-hitting is both exciting and a little scary for when we face them. Hope UAE can put up a better fight in their next match.

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