The 2023 Asian Games will include T20 cricket as one of the sports. Starting on September 28, the cricket competition will run till October 7. Pakistan will be represented in the event by Pakistan Shaheens, the Pakistan A team.

The PCB, today (August 24), announced the 15-member Pakistan Shaheens squad, consisting of several players who have played senior international cricket for Pakistan.

Pakistan Shaheens squad for Asian Games 2023: Team news

The senior-most member of the squad in terms of both age and international experience is 31-year-old batter Asif Ali, who has played 55 T20Is and 21 ODIs for Pakistan.

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Despite the presence of several senior players, the Pakistan Shaheens squad will be led by 20-year-old all-rounder Qasim Akram, their captain at the 2022 Under-19 World Cup who recently played an important role in Pakistan Shaheens’ victory in the Emerging Teams Asia Cup.

The other Pakistan internationals include Shahnawaz Dahani, Haider Ali, Khushdil Shah, Mohammad Hasnain, and Usman Qadir.

Pakistan will get direct qualification to the quarter-finals of the event which are scheduled to take place on October 3 and 4, followed by the semi-finals on October 6 and the final on October 7.

Pakistan had won bronze in men’s cricket at the Guangzhou Asian Games of 2010 but opted out of Incheon 2014. The 2018 edition, at Jakarta and Palembang, did not feature cricket.

Pakistan Shaheens squad for Asian Games 2023: Full team list

Batters

Omair Bin Yousuf, Asif Ali, Haider Ali, Mirza Tahir Baig

Wicketkeepers

Mohammad Akhlaq, Rohail Nazir

All-rounders

Qasim Akram (c), Aamer Jamal, Arafat Minhas, Khushdil Shah

Fast bowlers

Arshad Iqbal, Mohammad Hasnain, Shahnawaz Dahani

Spinners

Sufiyan Muqeem, Usman Qadir