Falcons sign Akif Javed

Derbyshire Falcons Men have signed Pakistan fast bowler, Akif Javed, for the Vitality Blast, replacing Sufyan Moqim.

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.

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.

Capable of bowling in excess of 90 miles-per-hour, Javed has been capped four times by his nation and claimed more than 100 T20 wickets in his career.

Head of Cricket, Mickey Arthur, said: “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’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.

“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.”

Javed added: “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.”

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