The Pakistan Shaheens, led by Mohammad Haris, are set to embark on their journey to Sri Lanka for the ACC Men’s Emerging Teams Asia Cup. Departing in the early hours of Tuesday from Lahore via Dubai, the team is geared up to defend their title in the highly anticipated 50-over tournament, scheduled to take place from 13th to 23rd July in Colombo.
Drawn in Group B alongside India A, Nepal, and UAE A, the Shaheens will commence their campaign on 14th July with a match against Nepal. Subsequently, they will face UAE A on 17th July and India A on 19th July. The top two teams from each group will advance to the semi-finals, scheduled for 21st July, with the final set to be held on 23rd July.
Before their departure, the 15-member squad, along with four non-traveling reserves, participated in a rigorous six-day camp at the National Cricket Academy in Lahore. Under the guidance of head coach Mohammad Masroor and the coaching staff, the players focused on various aspects of 50-over cricket, including intensive net sessions.
The Shaheens’ squad comprises a talented mix of players, including captain Mohammad Haris and seven individuals who have previously represented the Pakistan Men’s team. Notable international players in the squad include Arshad Iqbal, Kamran Ghulam, Mohammad Wasim Jnr, Sahibzada Farhan, Saim Ayub, Shahnawaz Dahani, and Tayyab Tahir.
Expressing his confidence ahead of the tournament, captain Mohammad Haris stated, “We are ready for the ACC Emerging Teams Asia Cup. We will remain composed and strive for consistent performances. Our team’s combination is excellent, with a talented group of all-round players. I have complete confidence in their abilities.”
Head Coach Mohammad Masroor praised the players’ dedication and determination during the training sessions, highlighting their familiarity and camaraderie as valuable assets for the team. He expressed optimism that the unity among the players will lead to positive results in the tournament.
The Shaheens’ squad, consisting of promising young cricketers, aims to utilize this platform to showcase their skills and stake their claim for a spot in the national team. With several white-ball matches scheduled for the future, the tournament provides ample opportunities for players to make their mark and secure their place in the national setup.
Pakistan’s fixtures in the ACC Men’s Emerging Teams Asia Cup Group B are as follows:
– 14th July: Pakistan Shaheens vs Nepal
– 17th July: Pakistan Shaheens vs UAE A
– 19th July: Pakistan Shaheens vs India A
As the Shaheens depart for Sri Lanka, cricket fans eagerly await the action-packed matches and anticipate an exciting display of talent and competitiveness from the defending champions.
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