In a significant squad adjustment for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, the United Arab Emirates has secured approval to bring in Haider Shah as a replacement for Mohammad Zohaib. The Event Technical Committee greenlit this change on Wednesday, addressing team welfare concerns.
The International Cricket Council (ICC) issued a statement confirming the move. Haider Shah, who boasts 16 T20I appearances, steps in following Zohaib’s departure due to mental health issues and broader team well-being considerations. This reshuffle comes at a critical juncture for UAE, currently languishing in fourth place in Group D after a crushing 10-wicket defeat to New Zealand on February 10.
The match at Chennai’s MA Chidambaram Stadium saw UAE post their highest T20 World Cup total of 173 for 6. They stumbled early, losing opener Aryansh Sharma for 8 at 12 runs. Captain Mohammad Waseem and Alishan Sharafu then steadied the ship with a robust 107-run stand off 77 balls, propelling the score to 119.
Sharafu fell for a gritty 55 off 47 balls, featuring five fours and two sixes. Waseem anchored the innings, remaining unbeaten on 66 from 45 deliveries with four boundaries and three maximums, while Mayank Kumar chipped in with 21 off 13. New Zealand’s Matt Henry claimed two wickets to disrupt the UAE batting.
Chasing 174, New Zealand’s openers Tim Seifert and Finn Allen made light work of the target. Seifert smashed an unbeaten 89 off 42 balls (12 fours, 3 sixes), and Allen notched 84 off 50 (5 fours, 5 sixes), sealing victory in just 15.2 overs.
As UAE eyes recovery in the tournament, Haider Shah’s inclusion could inject fresh energy into the squad. With points on the line in upcoming fixtures, the team will look to bounce back strongly and climb the Group D standings.