Pakistan’s wicketkeeper-batter Mohammad Haris has been named captain of the Pakistan Shaheens squad for the upcoming ACC Emerging T20 Cup, scheduled to take place in Oman from October 18 to October 27, 2024. Haris, a promising talent who has shown his potential in the national and international cricketing arena, will be entrusted with the responsibility of leading the defending champions as they aim to retain their title.
The ACC Emerging T20 Cup is a highly anticipated tournament where young and emerging players from various cricketing nations get an opportunity to showcase their talent on a larger stage. With eight teams participating, divided into two groups, the tournament will be held at the prestigious Oman Cricket Academy Ground in Muscat.
Pakistan’s Young and Dynamic Squad
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has announced a squad filled with young and talented players, most of whom have impressed in the domestic circuit and recent tournaments, such as the Champions Cup. The squad features several players who have shown consistent form in Pakistan’s domestic cricket, along with a few who have already donned the national team jersey in different formats.
One of the standout inclusions in the squad is the hard-hitting batsman Abdul Samad, who earned his place after stellar performances in the recent Champions Cup ODI competition. However, the omission of young batter Irfan Khan Niazi has raised some eyebrows, especially given his recent form. Instead, the selectors have opted to recall Haider Ali, a promising yet inconsistent talent in Pakistan’s white-ball cricket, hoping he can rediscover his touch in the tournament.
Alongside Mohammad Haris, the squad boasts four players who have previously represented Pakistan at the senior level, adding a blend of experience and youthful exuberance to the team. Fast bowler Shahnawaz Dahani, who has already made his mark in international cricket, is expected to spearhead the pace attack, while players like Mohammad Abbas Afridi and Zaman Khan will support him.
Pakistan Shaheens’ Group and Tournament Structure
Pakistan Shaheens have been placed in Group B, alongside India A, Oman, and the UAE. The group stage will be crucial for all teams, as only the top two sides from each group will advance to the semifinals. Group A consists of Afghanistan A, Bangladesh A, Hong Kong, and Sri Lanka A.
The Shaheens will kick off their campaign with a high-stakes encounter against arch-rivals India A on October 19. This match is sure to be a spectacle, as the two cricketing giants reignite their fierce rivalry at the Oman Cricket Academy Ground. Following this, Pakistan will take on the hosts Oman on October 21, and their final group-stage match will be against the UAE on October 23.
The top two teams from each group will progress to the semifinals, scheduled for October 25, with the grand final set for October 27. As defending champions, Pakistan Shaheens will be eager to perform well and keep the trophy in their cabinet.
Training Camp and Team Preparations
Before departing for Oman, the Pakistan Shaheens squad will undergo an intensive training camp at the Hanif Mohammad High-Performance Centre in Karachi from October 11 to 15. This camp will focus on sharpening the skills of the players and solidifying team strategies under the guidance of a seasoned coaching staff.
The coaching and support staff include Umar Rasheed, who will take on the dual role of head coach and manager, Imran Farhat as the batting coach, Riffatullah Mohmand as the fielding coach, Usman Hashmi as the analyst, and Syed Mohammad Asad, the team’s physiotherapist. Together, they will work to ensure that the squad is in top condition and well-prepared for the challenges ahead.
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Full Squad of Pakistan Shaheens
- Mohammad Haris (Captain)
- Abdul Samad
- Ahmed Daniyal
- Arafat Minhas
- Haider Ali
- Haseebullah
- Mehran Mumtaz
- Mohammad Abbas Afridi
- Mohammad Imran Jnr
- Omair Bin Yousuf
- Qasim Akram
- Shahnawaz Dahani
- Sufiyan Moqim
- Yasir Khan
- Zaman Khan
Key Players to Watch
- Mohammad Haris: As captain, Haris will play a pivotal role not just behind the stumps but also with the bat. His leadership skills and batting abilities will be crucial for Pakistan Shaheens.
- Abdul Samad: Known for his aggressive batting, Samad has the potential to take the game away from the opposition with his hard-hitting approach. His form will be a key factor for Pakistan in the tournament.
- Shahnawaz Dahani: With his pace and wicket-taking ability, Dahani is expected to lead the Shaheens’ bowling attack and pose a serious threat to opposing batters.
The ACC Emerging T20 Cup presents a significant opportunity for Pakistan’s emerging talents to shine on the international stage. Under the leadership of Mohammad Haris, the Pakistan Shaheens will look to retain their title and continue their dominance in the tournament. As the countdown to the opening game begins, fans are eagerly awaiting the intense action set to unfold in Oman.
