PCB announces 15-member squad for the 19th Asian Games; Qasim Akram to lead the formidable side

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has set the stage for a thrilling showdown at the 19th Asian Games as they unveiled a formidable 15-member squad to represent the nation on Thursday (August 24). The highly anticipated event is scheduled to unfold in China and will see the cricketing giants battle it out in the T20 format from September 28 to October 7.

PCB appoints Qasim Akram as Pakistan Shaheen’s skipper for the 19th Asian Games

Young and dynamic all-rounder Qasim Akram has been entrusted with the leadership role for the Pakistan Shaheens in the squad revealed by the Pakistan board. It is worth mentioning that Qasim boasts an impressive cricketing experience, having participated in 20 first-class matches and 40 T20 matches. The 20-year-old’s leadership credentials were earlier showcased when he captained the Pakistan U19 team during the ICC U19 World Cup in 2022. On the other hand, Omair Bin Yousuf has been appointed as Qaism’s deputy for the Asian Games challenge.

The Pakistan men’s cricket team holds a significant record in the Asian Games, having secured a bronze medal during their debut appearance back in 2010. With the stage set for the 19th edition of the games, all eyes are on the Pakistan Shaheens as they look to make their mark on the tournament.

Also READ: Mohammad Kaif names Rohit Sharma’s go-to man in Asia Cup and ODI World Cup 2023

PCB assembles a squad with a wealth of experience 

Among the selected players for Pakistan Shaheens, several have already made their presence felt on the international stage. Asif Ali, Haider Ali, Khushdil Shah, Mohammad Hasnain, Shahnawaz Dahani and Usman Qadir are a few prominent names that bring with them a wealth of experience and skills garnered from their international appearances into the Asian Games squad of Pakistan.

The Pakistan Shaheens have been directly promoted to the quarter-finals stage of the Asian Games and will be high on confidence. The Green Team are coming from a successful ACC Men’s Emerging Asia Cup tournament held in Sri Lanka, where they clinched victory by a staggering 108 runs against India A in the final. However, the Shaheens later faced a slight setback in the Top End T20 Series held in Darwin, where they finished as runners-up in the six-team tournament.

Pakistan Shaheen’s squad for the 19th Asian Games:

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

Also READ: Kris Srikkanth’s blunt advice to Team India regarding Tilak Varma