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ICC Allows Replacement of UAE's Mohammed Zohaib at T20 World Cup 2026
Haider Shah called up to UAE squad for T20 World Cup 2026 as ICC sanctions replacement amid mental-well-being concerns.
- Publish date: since 10 hours Reading time: two min read
The International Cricket Council (ICC) Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 Event Technical Committee has approved a replacement for United Arab Emirates (UAE) player Mohammed Zohaib, allowing wicketkeeper-batter Haider Shah to join the squad for the remainder of the tournament.
The move comes after Zohaib was withdrawn from the UAE squad on the grounds of “player mental well-being and team welfare issues,” according to an official statement from the ICC. While such approvals are typically granted for injury-related changes, the committee sanctioned this replacement on Wednesday following the UAE’s request.
Haider Shah, 24, who has featured in 16 Twenty20 Internationals for the UAE, will now step in as Zohaib’s replacement as the team continues its campaign in the global event co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka. Shah’s inclusion comes as the UAE prepare for key group matches ahead, including fixtures against Canada, Afghanistan and South Africa at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in New Delhi.
Zohaib’s departure from the squad stirred debate, as he had been sent home prior to the UAE’s opening group match against New Zealand, a game they lost by 10 wickets. UAE cricket authorities initially cited “disciplinary reasons” for the decision, though details remain limited and are expected to be examined further by the Emirates Cricket Board.
The ICC’s Event Technical Committee, comprised of representatives including Wasim Khan (ICC General Manager – Cricket) and former South Africa captain Shaun Pollock, must approve all squad changes during the tournament. Their endorsement ensures that Shah’s addition to the UAE lineup is official and compliant with World Cup regulations.
With the squad reshuffle now complete, the UAE will look to regroup and aim for improved performances as the T20 World Cup 2026 progresses through the group stage.