The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has announced a 15-member Pakistan Shaheens squad for the ACC Men’s Asia Cup Rising Stars 2026, scheduled to take place in Qatar from November 19 to 29.
Abdul Samad will captain the defending champions in the 50-over tournament, where Pakistan Shaheens have been placed in Group B alongside India A, Nepal and the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
Pakistan will open their campaign against the UAE on November 20 before facing India A on November 22 and Nepal on November 24.
The semi-finals are scheduled for November 26 and 27, while the final will be played on November 29.
Strong Batting Line-up
The squad features a strong batting group, including captain Abdul Samad, Hasan Nawaz, Maaz Sadaqat, Haider Ali, Shahzaib Khan, Farhan Yousuf and Shamyl Hussain.
Wicketkeeper Rohail Nazir has also been included in the 15-member squad.
The spin-bowling department features left-arm spin all-rounder Danish Aziz, leg-spinner Saad Masood and Sufyan Moqim.
Hasnain to Lead Pace Attack
The pace attack will be led by Mohammad Hasnain, with Ahmed Daniyal, Akif Javed and Muhammad Imran Randhawa completing the fast-bowling contingent.
Ahmed Daniyal will be particularly familiar with the tournament, having played a key role in Pakistan Shaheens’ previous campaign as the team’s Super Over hero.
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Pakistan Shaheens’ Tournament Record
Pakistan Shaheens enter the competition as defending champions, having won the previous T20 edition after defeating Bangladesh A in a thrilling final decided by a Super Over.
In the last 50-over edition, held in Sri Lanka in 2023, Pakistan Shaheens defeated India A by 128 runs to claim the title.
Pakistan finished as runners-up in the tournament’s opening editions in 2013 and 2017 before winning the competition in 2019.
Group A in the 2026 edition comprises Afghanistan A, Bangladesh A, Hong Kong China and Sri Lanka A.
Pakistan Shaheens’ Full Squad
- Abdul Samad (captain)
- Ahmed Daniyal
- Akif Javed
- Danish Aziz
- Farhan Yousuf
- Haider Ali
- Hasan Nawaz
- Maaz Sadaqat
- Mohammad Hasnain
- Muhammad Imran Randhawa
- Rohail Nazir (wicketkeeper)
- Saad Masood
- Shahzaib Khan
- Shamyl Hussain
- Sufyan Moqim
Pakistan Shaheens’ Match Schedule
| Date | Match | Time (PKT) | Venue |
|---|---|---|---|
| November 20 | Pakistan Shaheens vs UAE | 11:00 am | University of Doha Science and Technology |
| November 22 | Pakistan Shaheens vs India A | 3:00 pm | West End Park International Cricket Stadium |
| November 24 | Pakistan Shaheens vs Nepal | 3:00 pm | West End Park International Cricket Stadium |
| November 26 | First Semi-final | 3:00 pm | West End Park International Cricket Stadium |
| November 27 | Second Semi-final | 3:00 pm | West End Park International Cricket Stadium |
| November 29 | Final | 3:00 pm | West End Park International Cricket Stadium |
All Pakistan Shaheens matches will be day-night fixtures, except the opening match against the UAE, which will be played during the day.
The team will look to defend its title and continue Pakistan’s strong record in the ACC Men’s Asia Cup Rising Stars tournament.
