Anticipation is on the rise as the 19th edition of the Asian Games cricket tournament prepares to kick off in Hangzhou, China, running from September 23 to October 08.
Pakistan’s cricket squad, recognized as the Pakistan Shaheens, has been revealed, putting the spotlight on the young and promising Qasim Akram, who will be taking the reins as captain.
At just 20 years old, Akram brings an impressive track record to the table, boasting participation in 20 first-class matches and 40 exhilarating T20 games.
His leadership skills were showcased when he captained Pakistan in the ICC Men’s U19 Cricket World Cup 2022, underscoring his prowess on the global stage.
Assuming the vice-captain position is the talented batter, Omair Bin Yousuf, adding an extra layer of excitement to Pakistan’s campaign.
Pakistan has strategically assembled a formidable squad for the Asian Games, with this secondary team being packed with experience.
Notable names such as Asif Ali, Haider Ali, Shahnawaz Dahani, Khushdil Shah, and more will be part of the lineup, injecting a wealth of expertise.
Additionally, rising stars Arafat Minhas, Sufiyan Muqeem, and Rohail Nazir, among others, have demonstrated their skills in recent matches against Australia, Sri Lanka, and Zimbabwe.
The Shaheens showcased their mettle by clinching victory in two ‘unofficial’ Tests in Zimbabwe; however, the limited-overs series ended with a 2-4 score.
A significant accomplishment was marked by their triumph in the ACC Men’s Emerging Asia Cup, where they secured a thrilling win against their arch-rivals, India, in the final match.
In accordance with the tournament’s regulations, Pakistan will make their entry starting from the quarter-final stage, scheduled for October 03 and 04.
The stakes will be high as the semi-finals and finals are set to take place on October 6 and 7, respectively. The bronze medal match is also slated for October 07, promising an action-packed culmination to the cricketing event.
READ MORE: Pakistan Trio’s Stellar Performance Elevates ICC ODI Rankings
