The Pakistan A team, also known as Pakistan Shaheens, will be touring Zimbabwe for two four-day and six one-day games, starting May 3. Here’s all you need to know about the Pakistan A squad for PAK v ZIM A, and team news.

Pakistan A’s last tour was in 2021 when they visited Sri Lanka for two unofficial Tests and three one-days. They will be led by 27-year-old right-hand batter Imran Butt, who has played six Test matches for Pakistan.

The Pakistan Shaheens squad has several fringe players who are either in or around the national squad, including the likes of Hussain Talat, Shahnawaz Dahani, Saim Ayyub and Mir Hamza. The squad will be under the supervision of coach Aizaz Cheema, the former all-format Pakistan player who has recently been appointed for the role.

Cheema believes that these ‘A’ tours are a great opportunity for players who have put in consistent performances in domestic cricket to prove themselves at a level that is ‘just one step away’ from the national side. “It is a great opportunity for them to put in great performances and increase their chances to make it to the national side, which is just one step away for these players,” said Cheema in a media interaction last month.

The touring party has arrived in Harare except for young left-hand batter Saim Ayub and team consultant Abdul Rahman, both of whom will arrive after the second four-day game.

Pakistan Shaheens squad for PAK A v ZIM A tour

Players: Imran Butt (c), Hussain Talat (vc), Aamir Jamal, Abdul Wahid Bangalza, Haseebullah, Kamran Ghulam, Mehran Mumtaz, Mir Hamza, Mohammad Ali, Mohammad Huraira, Mubasir Khan, Omair Bin Yousuf, Qasim Akram, Rohail Nazir (wk), Shahnawaz Dahani.

Reserves: Saim Ayub (50-over matches only). Asif Mehmood, Athar Mehmood, Saad Khan, Waqar Ahmad.

Support Staff: Aizaz Cheema (coach), Imran Abbas (manager), Saboor Ahmed (trainer), Muhammad Asad (physiotherapist), Faisal Rai (team analyst), Abdul Rehman (Team Consultant, 50-over matches only).

Zimbabwe A are yet to announce their squad