Mohammad Haris to Lead Pakistan Shaheens in ACC Men’s T20 Emerging Teams Asia Cup 2024

Mohammad Haris, who has represented Pakistan in nine T20Is and six ODIs, has been named captain of Pakistan Shaheens for the ACC Men’s T20 Emerging Teams Asia Cup 2024, set to begin in Oman from 18 October. Before departing for Oman on 16 October, the squad will undergo a preparatory camp at the Hanif Mohammad High-Performance Centre in Karachi from 11 to 15 October.

This tournament will see Abdul Samad, Ahmed Daniyal, Yasir Khan, and Zaman Khan donning the Pakistan Shaheens jersey for the first time. Abdul Samad recently showcased his talent in the Bahria Town Champions One-Day Cup 2024-25, scoring with a strike-rate of 122.88 for UMT Markhors. Ahmed Daniyal took 10 wickets for Nurpur Lions, while Yasir and Zaman represented Allied Bank Stallions.

The ACC Men’s T20 Emerging Teams Asia Cup will feature eight teams, divided into two groups, with all matches held at the Oman Cricket Academy Ground in Muscat. Defending champions Pakistan Shaheens are placed in Group B, alongside India ‘A’, Oman, and the UAE. Group A consists of Afghanistan ‘A’, Bangladesh ‘A’, Hong Kong, and Sri Lanka ‘A’.

The Shaheens will face arch-rivals India ‘A’ in their opening match on 19 October, followed by a clash with hosts Oman on 21 October, and will conclude the group stage against the UAE on 23 October. The top two teams from each group will advance to the semi-finals scheduled for 25 October, with the final set to take place on 27 October.

Usman Wahla, Director of International Cricket at PCB, expressed excitement about the tournament:

“Pakistan Shaheens are eager to showcase the emerging talent of the PCB at the ACC Emerging Teams T20 Asia Cup. We commend the Asian Cricket Council for providing platforms like this, which are vital in nurturing the growth of young cricketers.”

Pakistan Shaheens Squad: Mohammad Haris (captain), Abdul Samad, Ahmed Daniyal, Arafat Minhas, Haider Ali, Haseebullah, Mehran Mumtaz, Mohammad Abbas Afridi, Mohammad Imran Jnr, Omair Bin Yousuf, Qasim Akram, Shahnawaz Dahani, Sufiyan Moqim, Yasir Khan, Zaman Khan

Team Management: Umar Rasheed (head coach-cum-manager), Imran Farhat (batting coach), Riffatullah Mohmand (fielding coach), Usman Hashmi (analyst), Syed Mohammad Asad (physiotherapist)