Asia Cup: Pakistani Squad Leave For Sri Lanka Today

LAHORE: Pakistani Shaheens, led by Mohammad Haris, are all set to embark on their journey to Sri Lanka via Dubai today (Tuesday).

Their mission? To compete in the highly anticipated ACC Men’s Emerging Teams Asia Cup, a prestigious cricketing event featuring eight formidable teams. The tournament, encompassing the 50-over format, will grace the picturesque grounds of Colombo from the 13th to the 23rd of July.

Placed in Group B, the Shaheens will lock horns with cricketing nations India A, Nepal, and UAE A. Their quest for glory commences on the 14th of July with an enthralling encounter against Nepal. Subsequently, they will face off against UAE A on the 17th and clash with India A on the 19th, in a riveting display of cricketing prowess.

The top two teams from each group will earn the coveted opportunity to compete in the semifinals, scheduled for the 21st of July. Finally, the climax of the tournament, the enthralling grand finale, will enthrall the cricketing fans on the 23rd of July.

Prior to their departure, the squad, consisting of 15 members and supported by four non-travelling reserve players, underwent a rigorous six-day training camp at the National Cricket Academy in Lahore. Under the watchful eyes of their astute coaching staff, led by the seasoned head coach Mohammad Masroor, the players toiled relentlessly to refine their skills in the art of 50-over cricket, leaving no stone unturned.

In addition to the young and vibrant Mohammad Haris, who has already showcased his mettle in five One Day Internationals (ODIs) and nine Twenty20 Internationals (T20Is), the defending champions boast the services of seven seasoned cricketers who have previously donned the prestigious Pakistan Men’s team jersey. This formidable lineup includes Arshad Iqbal, who has tasted the thrill of T20I action, the gifted Kamran Ghulam, who has donned the ODI attire, the promising Mohammad Wasim Jnr, with a commendable record across Tests, ODIs, and T20Is, the dynamic Sahibzada Farhan, who has entertained fans in three T20Is, the talented Saim Ayub, who has contributed significantly in eight T20Is, the electrifying Shahnawaz Dahani, experienced in both ODIs and T20Is, and the versatile Tayyab Tahir, who has impressed in three T20Is.

The squad boasts an excellent blend of players, each possessing unique talents that contribute to the team’s collective strength. Mohammad Haris radiated unwavering confidence in his teammates, placing his complete trust in their abilities to deliver standout performances throughout the tournament.

This momentous event serves as a pivotal opportunity for each player to showcase their remarkable skills and stake a formidable claim for a spot in the national team. With a plethora of white-ball encounters on the horizon for the men’s team, the future holds abundant prospects for these ambitious cricketers to etch their mark in the annals of cricketing history and secure their rightful place among the elite.

Squad: