Pakistan have named a 15-member squad for the Rising Stars Asia Cup, with Abdul Samad appointed captain.

Pakistan Shaheens will begin their title defence against UAE on November 20 before facing India A and Nepal in Group B.

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) have announced a 15-member Pakistan Shaheens squad for the upcoming 50-over men’s Asia Cup Rising Stars tournament, scheduled to take place in Qatar from November 19 to 29. Abdul Samad will lead the side, which features several players with international experience.

The squad includes Hasan Nawaz, Haider Ali, Mohammad Hasnain and Mohammad Imran, among others. While Hasan recently returned to Pakistan’s ODI setup after a year’s gap, fast bowler Hasnain will lead the bowling attack. Farhan Yousaf and Shahzaib Khan are the only two players in the squad yet to make their international debuts.

PCB names experienced players in Pakistan Shaheens squad

The selectors have picked a balanced squad featuring six specialist batters, four fast bowlers, three allrounders and one wicketkeeper, alongside captain Samad. Nawaz, Haider, Maaz, Shamyl Hussain, Farhan and Shahzaib form the batting group. Meanwhile, Mohammad Hasnain, Ahmed Daniyal, Akif Javed and Sufyan Moqim have been included among the fast-bowling options.

Mohammad Imran, Saad Masood and Danish Aziz are the three allrounders, while Rohail Nazir will take up the wicketkeeping duties. Imran has already made his Test debut against England at Edgbaston in September and also featured in Pakistan’s T20I against Sri Lanka last month.

Pakistan Shaheens to begin title defence against UAE

Pakistan Shaheens enter the tournament as the defending champions of the 50-over Asia Cup Rising Stars title. They won the previous edition in 2023 after defeating India A by 128 runs in the final at the R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo. They also hold the T20 title. The eight participating teams have been divided into two groups. Pakistan are placed in Group B alongside UAE, India A and Nepal.

They will open their campaign against UAE on November 20 before taking on India A on November 22. Their final group-stage fixture will be against Nepal on November 25. Group A comprises Bangladesh A, Sri Lanka A, Afghanistan A and Hong Kong, China. The top two teams from each group will progress to the semi-finals, which are scheduled for November 26 and 27, with the final set to take place on November 29.

Pakistan Shaheens squad for Rising Stars Asia Cup: Abdul Samad (c), Ahmed Daniyal, Akif Javed, Danish Aziz, Farhan Yousaf, Haider Ali, Hasan Nawaz, Maaz Sadaqat, Mohammad Hasnain, Mohammad Imran, Rohail Nazir (wk), Saad Masood, Shahzaib Khan, Shamyl Hussain and Sufyan Moqim.