The Pakistan Cricket Board has announced an exciting development for cricket enthusiasts as all-rounder Qasim Akram takes the helm of the Pakistan Shaheens team for the 19th Asian Games, scheduled in Hangzhou, China. Set to unfold from September 28th to October 7th, this prestigious event will adopt a T20 format, promising a dynamic display of cricketing prowess on an international stage.
At just 20 years of age, Qasim Akram’s appointment as the captain of Pakistan Shaheens is a testament to his exceptional skills and leadership abilities. Qasim boasts a record of 20 first-class matches and 40 T20 matches under his belt. Notably, he led the Pakistan U19 team in the ICC U19 World Cup in 2022, showcasing his early emergence as a cricketing force to be reckoned with.
The 15-member squad is a blend of youthful exuberance and seasoned talent, with eight players having previously represented the Pakistan men’s team at the international level. These established players include 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).
Eight squad members have recently been associated with the Shaheens side, fostering a sense of cohesion and camaraderie. Since May 2023, Pakistan Shaheens have embarked on international tours, showcasing their mettle in Zimbabwe, Sri Lanka, and Australia.
Shaheens showcased their dominance in Zimbabwe by whitewashing Zimbabwe A in the two four-day matches. However, they faced a setback in the 50-over matches, where Zimbabwe Select emerged victorious with a 4-2 scoreline. Shaheens clinched victory in the ACC Men’s Emerging Asia Cup held in Sri Lanka in July, emerging triumphant by defeating India A by 108 runs in the final. However, earlier this month, they fell short in the six-team Top End T20 Series in Darwin, Australia, finishing as runners-up.
The upcoming 19th Asian Games hold great promise for Pakistan Shaheens. As per the tournament’s structure, Shaheens will enter the competition at the quarter-finals stage, set to take place on October 3rd and 4th. The semi-finals will follow on October 6th, building anticipation for the ultimate clash – the final, scheduled for October 7th. Notably, the event will also feature a match for the Bronze medal on the same day.
In 2010, the Pakistan men’s team achieved a commendable feat by winning a bronze medal in their inaugural appearance at the Asian Games held in Guangzhou, China. This historic achievement adds a layer of significance to the upcoming 19th Asian Games, as the team aims to replicate and surpass their earlier success.
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 and Usman Qadir
Non-traveling reserves:- Abdul Wahid Bangalzai, Mehran Mumtaz, Mohammad Imran Jnr, Muhammad Irfan Khan Niazi and Mubasir Khan
Player Support Personnel:- Shahid Aslam (head coach-cum-manager), Umar Rasheed (bowling coach), Hanif Malik (batting and fielding coach) and Hafiz Naeem ul Rasool (physiotherapist)
