PCB Declares Pakistan Shaheens Squad for Asian Games

Today, PCB Declares Pakistan Shaheens Squad for Asian Games. The Pakistan Cricket Board has officially announced that all-rounder Qasim Akram will captain the Pakistan Shaheens team during the upcoming 19th Asian Games scheduled to be held in Hangzhou, China.

On Thursday, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) officially affirmed that all-rounder Qasim Akram will take the reins of the Pakistan Shaheens squad for the 19th Asian Games, slated to transpire in Hangzhou, China. The tournament is scheduled in the T20 format and is set to unfold from September 28 to October 7.

At the youthful age of 20, Qasim has already participated in 20 first-class matches and 40 T20 matches. Notably, he led the Pakistan U19 team in the ICC U19 World Cup held in 2022. The 15-member squad for the event comprises eight players who have already represented the Pakistan men’s team on the international stage.

These experienced international players are Aamir Jamal (2 T20Is), Arshad Iqbal (1 T20I), Asif Ali (21 ODIs, 55 T20Is), Haider Ali (2 ODIs, 33 T20Is), Khushdil Shah (10 ODIs, 24 T20Is), Mohammad Hasnain (9 ODIs, 27 T20Is), Shahnawaz Dahani (2 ODIs, 11 T20Is), and Usman Qadir (1 ODI, 23 T20Is).

Furthermore, within the 15-member squad, Aamir Jamal, Arafat Minhas, Arshad Iqbal, Omair Bin Yousuf, Qasim Akram, Rohail Nazir, Shahnawaz Dahani, and Sufiyan Muqeem have recently been associated with the Shaheens side. Since May 2023, the Pakistan Shaheens team has embarked on tours to Zimbabwe, Sri Lanka, and Australia.

In accordance with the tournament’s regulations, the Shaheens will enter the event starting from the quarter-finals scheduled for October 3 and 4. The semi-finals are slated for October 6, while the final will take place on October 7. The Bronze medal match is also set for Saturday, October 7.

Notably, the Pakistan men’s team secured a bronze medal in their sole appearance in the Asian Games held in Guangzhou, China, back in 2010.

Pakistan Shaheens Squad:

• Qasim Akram (captain)
• Omair Bin Yousuf (vice-captain)
• Aamir Jamal
• Arafat Minhas
• Arshad Iqbal
• Asif Ali
• Haider Ali
• Khushdil Shah
• Mirza Tahir Baig
• Mohammad Hasnain
• Muhammad Akhlaq (wk)
• Rohail Nazir
• Shahnawaz Dahani
• Sufiyan Muqeem
• Usman Qadir

Non-traveling reserves:

• Abdul Wahid Bangalzai
• Mehran Mumtaz
• Mohammad Imran Jnr
• Muhammad Irfan Khan Niazi
• Mubasir Khan

Player Support Personnel:

• Shahid Aslam (head coach-cum-manager)
• Umar Rasheed (bowling coach)
• Hanif Malik (batting and fielding coach)
• Hafiz Naeem ul Rasool (physiotherapist)