The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has officially announced that talented all-rounder Qasim Akram will be leading the Pakistan Shaheens cricket team in the upcoming 19th Asian Games. The event, set to unfold in Hangzhou, China, will feature a T20 format and is scheduled to take place from September 28 to October 7, 2023.
At just 20 years old, Qasim Akram has already established his cricketing prowess, having participated in 20 first-class matches and 40 T20 matches. His leadership abilities were evident when he captained the Pakistan U19 team during the ICC U19 World Cup in 2022. Now, he is poised to guide the Pakistan Shaheens in this prestigious tournament.
The 15-member squad selected for the Asian Games comprises a mix of emerging talents and seasoned players who have previously represented the Pakistan men’s team on the international stage. Among these accomplished players 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), and Usman Qadir (1 ODI, 23 T20Is).
Notably, the squad includes several players who have been closely associated with the Shaheens side in recent times. Players such as Aamir Jamal, Arafat Minhas, Arshad Iqbal, Omair Bin Yousuf, Qasim Akram, Rohail Nazir, Shahnawaz Dahani, and Sufiyan Muqeem have been part of the Shaheens’ recent tours to Zimbabwe, Sri Lanka, and Australia.
During these tours, the Shaheens showcased their mettle by securing victories in various formats. They dominated Zimbabwe A in the four-day matches but faced a challenge in the 50-over matches against Zimbabwe Select. The team then clinched the ACC Men’s Emerging Asia Cup in Sri Lanka, triumphing over India A in the final. However, in the Top End T20 Series in Australia, they secured the runners-up position.
Under the tournament’s regulations, the Shaheens will enter the competition at the quarter-finals stage, slated for October 3 and 4. Subsequent matches will see the semi-finals on October 6 and the final, along with the bronze medal match, on October 7.
In their previous appearance at the Asian Games in 2010, the Pakistan men’s cricket team secured a bronze medal in Guangzhou, China. With a strong and promising squad, the Pakistan Shaheens are keen on leaving their mark on the tournament and adding another feather to their cap.
Pakistan Shaheens Squad:
– 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 (wk), 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)
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