Islamabad, November 3 — Pakistan’s international Abdul Samad has been appointed captain of the Pakistan Shaheens for the 50‑over men’s Rising Stars Asia Cup, slated to be staged in Qatar from 19 to 29 November.
On 3 November, the selection committee unveiled a 15‑player roster for the eight‑nation tournament, blending seasoned internationals with promising young talent. The Shaheens enter as reigning 50‑over champions, having lifted the title in 2023.
The batting lineup features Hasan Nawaz, who recently returned to Pakistan’s ODI side after a year’s hiatus during the tri‑series, together with Haider Ali, Maaz Sadaqat, Shamyl Hussain, Farhan Yousaf and Shahzaib Khan.
Yousaf and Shahzaib are the only squad members yet to earn international caps.
Mohammad Hasnain Anchors Pakistan Shaheens’ Pace Attack
Right‑arm fast bowler Mohammad Hasnain will lead the bowling contingent; he made his ODI debut in 2019 and brings substantial international experience.
He will be supported by Ahmed Daniyal, Akif Javed and Sufyan Moqim, who featured in Pakistan’s squad during the Rawalpindi leg of the recent tri‑series.
The squad also comprises three all‑rounders: Mohammad Imran, Saad Masood and Danish Aziz.
Imran has risen rapidly, earning his Test cap in September during the third Test against England at Edgbaston, and followed with a T20I debut against Sri Lanka last month.
Former Pakistan U19 captain Rohail Nazir is the sole wicketkeeper selected.
Pakistan Shaheens Target Defence of Rising Stars Asia Cup Title
The Shaheens possess both the T20 and 50‑over Asia Cup Rising Stars titles.
They claimed the last 50‑over edition in 2023, overcoming India A by 128 runs in the final at Colombo’s R Premadasa Stadium, Sri Lanka.
Pakistan aims to defend its crown in Qatar, where it is slotted into Group B with the UAE, India A and Nepal.
The reigning champions open their campaign against the UAE on 20 November, followed by a match against India A on 22 November, and conclude the group stage versus Nepal on 25 November.
Group A includes Bangladesh A, Sri Lanka A, Afghanistan A and Hong Kong, China.
The top two sides from each group advance to the semi-finals on 26 and 27 November, with the final set for 29 November.
Pakistan Shaheens Squad for the 2026 Rising Stars Asia Cup
The squad comprises captain Abdul Samad, Ahmed Daniyal, Akif Javed, Danish Aziz, Farhan Yousaf, Haider Ali, Hasan Nawaz, Maaz Sadaqat, Mohammad Hasnain, Mohammad Imran, wicketkeeper Rohail Nazir, Saad Masood, Shahzaib Khan, Shamyl Hussain and Sufyan Moqim.
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