Cricket fans note a key development in the ICC T20 World Cup 2026: UAE’s replacement of Mohammad Zohaib with Haider Shah has been ratified by the Event Technical Committee. Announced Wednesday, the move prioritizes mental health amid team dynamics.
Shah’s 16 T20I games make him a solid pick. UAE, mired in fourth in Group D, suffered a 10-wicket drubbing against New Zealand on February 10 in Chennai, intensifying pressure for revival.
UAE’s 173/6 marked a batting high-water mark in World Cup T20 history. Starter Aryansh Sharma fell for 8 at 12, prompting a rescue act from Alishan Sharafu and Mohammad Waseem (107 runs, 77 balls) to 119.
Post-Sharafu’s 55 (47b, 5×4, 2×6), Waseem unbeaten on 66 (45b, 4×4, 3×6) and Mayank (21 off 13) built depth. New Zealand’s Matt Henry grabbed two wickets.
The chase? Clinical. Finn Allen (84, 50b: 5×4, 5×6) and Tim Seifert (89*, 42b: 12×4, 3×6) romped to victory in 15.2 overs.
With Shah aboard, UAE aims to regroup. This welfare-focused swap highlights modern cricket’s ethos, potentially turning tides in their Group D battle.