Khawaja Nafay Archives

Rashid Latif backs Khawaja Nafay as wicket-keeper in World Cup 2026

Former captain Rashid Latif has thrown his support behind young wicketkeeper-batter Khawaja Nafay, backing him for selection in Pakistan’s squad for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 following his promising international debut against Sri Lanka.

Nafay made his first appearance for Pakistan in the rain-affected third and final T20I at the Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium on Sunday.

The right-hander impressed in a high-pressure chase, scoring a brisk 26 off 15 balls as Pakistan pursued a revised target of 161 in a shortened 12-over contest.

Although Pakistan eventually fell 14 runs short, Nafay’s composure and clean striking drew praise from several quarters, including Latif.

Taking to social media platform X after the match, the former wicketkeeper-captain lauded Pakistan skipper Salman Ali Agha’s late onslaught and strongly endorsed Nafay as a World Cup option behind the stumps.

“Captain played well tonight. Khawaja Nafey Wicket Keeper for WC 26,” Latif wrote.

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The match saw Sri Lanka level the three-match series 1-1 after the second T20I was washed out due to rain.

Batting first, the hosts piled up 160-6 in 12 overs, powered by a sensational cameo from captain Dasun Shanaka, who smashed 34 off just nine deliveries, including five sixes.

Kusal Mendis chipped in with 30 off 16 balls, while Janith Liyanage (22 off 8), Dhananjaya de Silva (22), and Charith Asalanka (21) added valuable runs in a frenetic innings.

In reply, Pakistan showed intent but fell short despite a stunning effort from Salman Ali Agha, who top-scored with 45 off just 12 balls, striking five fours and three sixes.

Mohammad Nawaz contributed 28 off 15, while Nafay’s knock stood out on debut in a demanding situation.

Sri Lanka’s bowlers held their nerve in the closing stages, with Wanindu Hasaranga leading the attack with figures of 4-35 in three overs.

READ: ICC considers alternate venues for Bangladesh’s World Cup games: reports

Mohammad Amir backs Khawaja Nafay for Pakistan call-up

Quetta Qavalry skipper Mohammad Amir has thrown his weight behind emerging batter Khawaja Nafay, tipping the youngster for a call-up to Pakistan’s senior team in the near future.

Unbeaten in their debut Abu Dhabi T10 League campaign, Quetta Qavalry have enjoyed a dream start، and Nafay has been at the heart of it with his consistency and clean ball-striking.

The young wicketkeeper-batter has amassed 144 runs in four innings without being dismissed, hammering 12 sixes and showcasing maturity beyond his years.

After Qavalry’s latest victory, Mohammad Amir praised Nafay’s attitude and temperament, qualities he believes will take the right-hander a long way.

“He is extremely hardworking, and that is his biggest strength,” Amir said. “If he keeps his focus, he can soon become a key contributor to Pakistan cricket.”

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Reflecting on his side’s unbeaten run, the left-arm pacer acknowledged that while early momentum is encouraging, the true challenge lies in sustaining it.

“When you keep winning early, the challenges get tougher as the tournament progresses,” he noted. “I just hope we can maintain this momentum.”

Nafay’s impressive form predates the T10 League. The right-hander has already made his mark in the Pakistan Super League (PSL) with Quetta Gladiators, scoring 234 runs in 12 matches at a strike rate of 130, including two half-centuries.

He was also one of the standout performers for Pakistan Shaheens in the recently concluded Hong Kong Sixes 2025, finishing as the tournament’s third-highest run-scorer.

Khawaja Nafay piled up 151 runs in five matches at an extraordinary strike rate of 284.90, highlighted by a crucial fifty in the knockout rounds as Pakistan lifted the title after defeating Kuwait in the final.

READ: Pakistan-Sri Lanka eye T20I series ahead of 2026 World Cup: reports

Khawaja Nafay among Pakistan players to participate in Canada Super 60

Pakistan’s Khawaja Nafay, Shoaib Malik, and Saeed Ajmal are set to take part in the inaugural Canada Super 60, with the six franchises confirming their squads for the ten-over-a-side competition.

Malik and Khawaja Nafay will represent Whiterock Warriors, while spin great Ajmal has been drafted by Mississauga Masters.

The tournament, scheduled from October 8 to 13 at BC Place Stadium in Vancouver, will mark a historic moment for Canadian cricket as international stars gear up to play under lights in an indoor setup on the country’s West Coast.

Malik, 42, arrives with a remarkable T20 record, 13,571 runs across 557 matches, including 83 half-centuries, making him the fifth-highest run-getter in the format’s history.

Nafay, meanwhile, continues to build his reputation on the franchise circuit. The 22-year-old has already played in the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) and Pakistan Super League (PSL).

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He has scored three fifties in the BPL and two in the PSL, alongside a standout 61 against Bangladesh ‘A’ during the Top End T20 Series with Pakistan Shaheens.

Ajmal, one of Pakistan’s finest short-format bowlers, brings vast experience despite limited franchise exposure.

The former off-spinner claimed 85 wickets in 64 T20Is at an economy of 6.36 and has previously featured in the PSL, BPL, and a one-match stint in the Big Bash League with Adelaide Strikers.

The upcoming league has attracted several international names, including Quinton de Kock, Alex Hales, Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Shakib Al Hasan, Moeen Ali, and Sikandar Raza, giving Canadian fans a star-studded spectacle.

Canada Super 60 Teams

Whiterock Warriors: Dawid Malan, Chris Lynn, Shoaib Malik, Rishi Dhawan, Khawaja Nafay, Peter Siddle, Joe Clarke, Jack Jarvis, Ali Sheikh, Tajinder Singh Dhillon, Kaleem Sana, Nicholas Kirton, Sukhjinder Singh, Ajayveer Hundal, Harman Bahia.

Toronto Sixers: Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Alex Hales, Jason Roy, Dan Christian, Waqar Salamkheil, Daniel Sams, Mark Watt, Manpreet Singh, Bas De Leede, Newab Singh, Shivam Sharma Jr, Navneet Dhaliwal, Shivam Sharma, Jagmandeep Paul.

Brampton Blitz: Quinton de Kock, Richard Gleeson, Martin Guptill, Will Smeed, Piyush Chawla, Roelof van der Merwe, David Wiese, Chris Greaves, Michael Leask, Dilon Heyliger, Harsh Thaker, Yuvraj Samra, Rishiv Joshi, Anoop Chima.

Montreal Tigers: Shakib Al Hasan, Josh Brown, Tom Moores, Nick Hobson, Isuru Udana, Ryan Higgins, Andrew Tye, Junaid Siddique, Bradley Currie, Ben Manenti, Dilpreet Bajwa, Ansh Patel, Shreyas Movva, Gursahib Singh, Padam Joshi.

Vancouver Kings: Moeen Ali, Dwaine Pretorius, Chris Wood, Rassie van der Dussen, Max Chu, Baltej Singh Dhanda, McKenny Clarke, Obus Pienaar, Imal Zuwak, Nauman Anwar, Ravinderpaul Singh, Jaskaran Buttar, Kanwarpal Tathgur, Gurbaz Bajwa, Tejinder Singh.

Mississauga Masters: Sikandar Raza, Imran Tahir, Ravi Bopara, George Carton, Leus du Plooy, Saeed Ajmal, Shubham Ranjane, Rushil Ugarkar, Ali Khan, Hamza Tariq, Rayyan Pathan, Zahid Shirzad, Dilraj Doel, Ali Khan.

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Khawaja Nafay reveals valuable advice received from Viv Richards

LAHORE: Emerging batter Khawaja Nafay has revealed an interesting advice he received from West Indies legend Viv Richards during the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 10.

While speaking on the sidelines of the Pakistan Cricket Board’s (PCB) skill development camp, Nafay shared the experience of learning from legendary Richards.

“During the PSL, we shared his [Viv Richards] batting videos with him. I inquired about his power hitting and how he managed to play the most challenging shots with ease.

He [Viv Richards] responded that he believed in himself and his practice. If one could have confidence and a strong sense of self-belief, nothing is ever truly difficult,” Nafay remarked.

The right-hander hailing from Karachi emphasized the skill development camp, highlighting the rigorous training.

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“We wake up at 4.30 am and our session begins at 6 am. We have been learning a lot from Abdul Razzaq regarding power hitting, and playing spinners has enhanced our skill set,” he said.

“The skills camp has brought significant improvement. I’m working on power-hitting with Abdul Razzaq and also practicing extensively against spinners. We face around 800 balls a day, playing them quickly; it also strengthens our muscles. This practice will benefit us in the future,” Nafay added.

Nafey, who is a top-order batter, also reflected on his new role as a wicket-keeper, stating that international cricket nowadays demands versatility.

“I will try to continue training according to this plan even after the camp. The coaches have told me to work on my wicketkeeping as well. I’ve been advised to stay ready as a wicketkeeper too. I’m preparing myself to play according to all formats,” he concluded.

Khawaja Nafay also mentioned the learning under various coaches, noting that the coaches did not ask us to change our natural game.

“My target is to contribute to Pakistan’s success in all formats while sticking to my natural game, and the coaches have guided us to prepare well and train hard for upcoming challenges”, he concluded.

READ: WATCH: Pakistan women cricketers train ahead of action-packed international season

Three Pakistani players join Rangpur Riders for Global Super League 2025

Pakistan trio Iftikhar Ahmed, Akif Javed, and Khawaja Nafay are all set to feature for Rangpur Riders in the upcoming Guyana Global Super League (GSL) 2025, scheduled from July 10 to 18.

Iftikhar, who has already showcased his T20 prowess in the BPL and LPL, will bring valuable firepower to the middle order.

Akif adds left-arm pace depth, while Nafay, currently making waves as an emerging batting prospect, enters his second overseas league after two BPL stints.

Rangpur Riders staged a remarkable turnaround in the last season, recovering from three straight losses to win their next three and lift the inaugural GSL trophy.

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For 2025, the franchise has retained several key names, including captain Nurul Hasan Sohan, leading run-scorer Soumya Sarkar, and strike bowler Kamrul Islam Rabbi.

Meanwhile, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has granted No Objection Certificates (NOCs) to 13 players for various overseas leagues, with Khawaja Nafay already cleared for GSL participation.

NOCs for Iftikhar Ahmed and Akif Javed are expected shortly.

Meanwhile, Saud Shakeel will turn out for the Guyana Amazon Warriors, while Mohammad Nawaz and Sahibzada Farhan have been picked by the Hobart Hurricanes.

GSL 2025 Squads

Rangpur Riders: Nurul Hasan Sohan, Soumya Sarkar, Mohammed Naim Sheikh, Mahidul Islam Ankon, Kamrul Islam Rabbi, Mohammed Saif Hassan, Abu Haider Rony, Rakibul Hasan, Yasir Ali Chowdhury, Kyle Mayers, Tabraiz Shamsi, Ibrahim Zadran, Iftikhar Ahmed, Akif Javed, Harmeet Singh, Khawaja Nafay

Guyana Amazon Warriors: Imran Tahir, Evin Lewis, Johnson Charles, Moeen Ali, Shimron Hetmyer, Saud Shakeel, Romario Shepherd, Dwain Pretorius, Gudakesh Motie, Akeal Hossein, Ramanullah Gurbaz, Mark Adair, Jewel Andrew, Shamar Springer, Amir Jangoo.

Hobart Hurricanes: Ben McDermott, Billy Stanlake, Nikhil Chaudhary, Jackson Bird, Tim Ward, Jake Doran, Raf MacMillan, Marcus Bean, Mac Wright, Sahibzada Farhan, Mohammed Nawaz, Mohammed Nabi, Odean Smith.

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Saud Shakeel backs THESE youngsters as future international stars

Quetta Gladiators captain Saud Shakeel has expressed his support for two of Pakistan’s brightest young batting talents, Hassan Nawaz and Khawaja Nafay, predicting their potential to become stars in international cricket.

Speaking ahead of Gladiators’ much-anticipated PSL 10 Qualifier against title-holders Islamabad United, Saud didn’t hold back in his admiration for the duo, calling them “encouraging signs for Pakistan cricket.”

“Hassan Nawaz played all kinds of shots and was instrumental in our victories,” Saud said.

“Performances from players like Hassan and Nafay give you hope. They’re not just here to fill spots — they’re genuine contenders for the Pakistan team.”

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Hassan, in particular, has been one of the breakout stars of the season.

The 22-year-old power-hitter currently sits fifth on the tournament’s top scorers list, having piled up 317 runs in 10 matches at a blistering average of 63.40 and a strike rate touching 160.

His tally includes two fifties and a stunning century, highlighting both flair and consistency.

Reflecting on the Gladiators’ journey to the playoffs, Saud Shakeel credited Hassan’s impact at key moments and revealed the early challenges around his batting position.

“We didn’t start the tournament well, but we turned things around with the bat,” he added.

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“When Hassan was picked, there was always confidence in his talent, though early on, we hadn’t finalised his batting order. Whatever praise he gets, it’s still not enough.”

On Khawaja Nafay, who has quietly chipped in with crucial innings when called upon, Saud said, “Nafay grabbed his opportunity well. These performances will only boost his confidence going forward.”

Despite topping the league stage with seven wins and just two losses, Saud remained grounded, saying there’s still room for refinement.

“There is always room for improvement in every department,” he admitted. “We played the whole tournament with Finn Allen. The final XI for the Qualifier hasn’t been discussed yet, we’ll take a call based on the conditions.”

READ: Key players miss out as Pakistan unveil squad for Bangladesh T20Is

Champions T20 Cup: Khawaja Nafay stars as Markhors edge past Dolphins

RAWALPINDI: Opening batter Khawaja Mohammad Nafay smashed a fiery half-century to anchor Markhors’ two-wicket win over a fighting Dolphins on the fourth day of the ongoing Champions T20 Cup here on Tuesday.

Nafay’s 41-ball 68 was spiced with four sixes and as many fours that guided Markhors to chase the modest 129-run target in 18.5 overs.

The Misbah-ul-Haq mentored team is now second with four points while Stallions are top of the Champions T20 Cup points table, also with four points from two matches but have a superior net run rate.

22-year-old Nafay from Karachi lifted his team from the early loss of Fakhar Zaman (0), Muhammad Shahzad (11) and Abdul Samad (1). Nafay added 29 for the fourth wicket with skipper Iftikhar Ahmed who made five.

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Spinner Qasim Akram dismissed Khawaja Nafay leg-before and then two more wickets fell as Dolphins fought back but Mohammad Nawaz made sure the chase was completed with a cautious 19-ball 18 not out including two fours while Akif Javed hit the winning boundary.

Dolphins, who have now lost both their matches, were given an ideal start by fast bowler Sameen Gul who took three early wickets but other than him no bowler could detrack the rampaging Markhors.

Earlier, sent into bat, Dolphins lost Sahibzada Farhan in the first over, without scoring. Muhammad Akhlaq hit a 33-ball 40 studded with two sixes and three boundaries while Mirza Tahir Baig knocked a 28-ball 29 with two sixes and a boundary

Dolphins were relying on vice-captain Qasim Akram who scored 14 and experienced batter Umar Amin who managed just 11 as they slumped from 81-2 to 128-9. Nawaz grabbed 3-28 while fast-rising pacer Akif Javed finished with 2-33.

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