Pakistan has unveiled their squad for the upcoming 2023 Asian Games. The tournament is scheduled to be held in Hangzhou, China, spanning from September 28 to October 7. Among the notable selections in the 15-player squad are fast bowlers Mohammad Hasnain and Shahnawaz Dahani, as well as leg-spinner Usman Qadir. These players will be aiming to make a significant impact during the event.
The dynamic trio of Hasnain, Dahani, and Qadir, accompanied by Aamir Jamal, Arshad Iqbal, Asif Ali, Haider Ali, and Khushdil Shah, have already exhibited their skills in the world arena while representing the Pakistan men’s squad.
Taking the lead is the 20-year-old all-rounder Qasim Akram, who will skipper the squad. Qasim has a remarkable record of competing in 20 first-class matches and 40 T20 matches. Notably, he led the Pakistan U19 side during the 2022 ICC U19 World Cup held in the West Indies.
Back in 2010, the Pakistan men’s team claimed a bronze medal during their inaugural appearance at the Asian Games held in Guangzhou, China. Recent times have seen the Pakistan Shaheens on trips to Zimbabwe, Sri Lanka, and Australia since May 2023.
Their journey continued with a victory in the ACC Men’s Emerging Asia Cup in Sri Lanka, where they outperformed India A in the final, winning by 108 runs. In contrast, during their visit to Darwin, Australia, they achieved a runner-up place in the six-team Top End T20 Series earlier this month.
Under the tournament’s regulations, Pakistan Shaheens are expected to join the event from the quarterfinal stage, scheduled for October 3 and 4. Following that, the semifinals will take place on October 6, leading up to the final fight on October 7. The bronze medal match is also planned for the same day.
Pakistan Shaheen’s squad:
Qasim Akram (c), Omair Bin Yousuf (vc), 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-travelling reserves: Abdul Wahid Bangalzai, Mehran Mumtaz, Mohammad Imran Jnr, Muhammad Irfan Khan Niazi and Mubasir Khan
