Table of Contents
- PCB announces Shaheens’ squad for 19th Asian Games led by Qasim Akram.
- Eight seasoned internationals bolster the lineup for the T20 tournament in Hangzhou.
- Shaheens eyeing success in the competition, with a bronze medal already in their history.
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has unveiled the Pakistan Shaheens’ squad that will represent the nation in the upcoming 19th Asian Games. Qasim Akram has been entrusted with the responsibility of leading the Shaheens in this prestigious tournament, which will adopt a T20 format and take place in Hangzhou, China, from September 28 to October 7.
Qasim Akram, a young talent with 20 first-class matches and 40 T20 appearances to his name, has previously captained the Pakistan U19 team during the ICC U19 World Cup in 2022. His leadership skills and experience in the shorter formats of the game make him a promising choice to steer the Shaheens in this competition.
The 15-member squad boasts an impressive lineup, including eight players who have already donned Pakistan’s national colors in international cricket. These seasoned international campaigners bring a wealth of experience to the Shaheens’ roster.
The distinguished players with prior international exposure 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)
- Usman Qadir (1 ODI, 23 T20Is)
According to the tournament’s regulations, the Shaheens will enter the competition at the quarter-finals stage, scheduled for October 3 and 4. Subsequently, the semi-finals will take place on October 6, with the grand final set for October 7. Additionally, there will be a contest for the Bronze medal on Saturday, October 7.
It’s worth noting that Pakistan’s men’s cricket team secured a bronze medal in their inaugural and only appearance at the Asian Games, held in Guangzhou, China, back in 2010.
The Pakistan Shaheens squad for the 2023 Asian Games comprises the following players:
- 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 (Wicketkeeper)
- 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)
The PCB is hopeful that this squad, a mix of experience and youthful exuberance, will make Pakistan proud once again at the Asian Games.
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