Summary
- Defending champions Pakistan Shaheens have announced their squad for the ACC Men’s Asia Cup Rising Stars 2026, with Abdul Samad appointed to lead the team in the 50-over tournament scheduled to take place in Qatar from November 19 to 29.
- The PCB has confirmed that all Pakistan Shaheens matches, except their opening fixture, will be played under day-night conditions.
- Pakistan Shaheens enter the competition as defending champions in both the ODI and T20 formats of the ACC Men’s Asia Cup Rising Stars, making the upcoming campaign an opportunity to extend their dominance.
Defending champions Pakistan Shaheens have announced their squad for the ACC Men’s Asia Cup Rising Stars 2026, with Abdul Samad appointed to lead the team in the 50-over tournament scheduled to take place in Qatar from November 19 to 29.
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) announced the 15-member squad on November 3, confirming a mix of promising batters, experienced fast bowlers and specialist spinners for the eight-team competition.
Abdul Samad will captain the side, which includes Hasan Nawaz, Maaz Sadaqat, Shamyl Hussain, Haider Ali, Shahzaib Khan and Farhan Yousaf among the batting options.
Rohail Nazir has been named as the wicketkeeper, while Danish Aziz, Saad Masood and Sufiyan Muqeem will strengthen the spin department.
The pace attack features Mohammad Hasnain, Imran Randhawa, Aaqif Javed and Ahmed Daniyal, giving the Shaheens several bowling options as they prepare to defend their title.
Pakistan Shaheens have been placed in Group B alongside the United Arab Emirates, India A and Nepal. They will open their campaign against the UAE on November 20 before facing India A on November 22 and Nepal on November 24.
The group-stage fixtures will provide an early test of Pakistan’s title credentials, particularly with a meeting against India A among the scheduled matches.
The tournament’s semi-finals will be played on November 26 and 27, while the final is scheduled for November 29.
The PCB has confirmed that all Pakistan Shaheens matches, except their opening fixture, will be played under day-night conditions.
The 2026 edition will be contested in the 50-over format. Pakistan Shaheens enter the competition as defending champions in both the ODI and T20 formats of the ACC Men’s Asia Cup Rising Stars, making the upcoming campaign an opportunity to extend their dominance.
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