Derbyshire Falcons have announced the signing of Pakistan left-arm pacer Akif Javed as a replacement for fellow Pakistani cricketer Sufiyan Muqeem for the upcoming Vitality Blast 2026 season.

Derbyshire had previously secured Sufiyan Muqeem for the T20 competition. However, the left-arm spinner will be unavailable for the first half of the tournament due to international commitments.

A look at our new man in action! ⚡

Welcome to the Falcons, Akif! #WeAreDerbyshire pic.twitter.com/XzMoBvMik6

— Derbyshire CCC (@DerbyshireCCC) May 14, 2026

The county confirmed the change through an official press release.

“Akif 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,” the statement read.

“He replaces Sufiyan Muqeem, who will be unable to fulfill his planned stint for the first half of the competition due to a recent change to international commitments,” it added.

Akif Javed has represented the Pakistan national cricket team in three One-Day Internationals, taking seven wickets at an average of 23.57, including a four-wicket haul.

The 25-year-old also brings strong franchise cricket experience, having played in both the Pakistan Super League and the Bangladesh Premier League.

Across five PSL seasons with four different franchises, Akif has taken 34 wickets in 27 matches. In the BPL, he has claimed 28 wickets in 19 appearances over three editions.

Speaking after the announcement, Akif said he was excited to feature in the Vitality Blast for the first time and reunite with Mickey Arthur.

“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.”

The Vitality Blast 2026 is scheduled to take place from May 22 to July 18.

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