The stage is set for cricketing action as the Pakistan Shaheens squad departs for China to participate in the highly anticipated Asian Games 2023 men’s cricket competition. With their sights set on glory, the team enters this prestigious tournament, showcasing their cricketing prowess on the Asian stage.
Pakistan Shaheens Squad: Direct Entry into Quarter-Finals
The Pakistan Shaheens find themselves in an advantageous position, securing direct qualification to the quarter-final stage due to their standing as one of the top four ICC-ranked teams in Asia. Led by captain Qasim Akram, the team is eager to make a strong start in the competition, with their quarter-final clash scheduled for October 3rd. The location for this pivotal encounter is the Zhejiang University of Technology Pingfeng Cricket Field in Hangzhou, where they will face a yet-to-be-decided opponent. Notably, all matches in this tournament hold T20I status, adding to the stakes and excitement.
Squad – Qasim Akram (captain), Omair Bin Yousuf (vice-captain), Aamir Jamal, Arafat Minhas, Arshad Iqbal, Asif Ali, Haider Ali, Khushdil Shah, Mirza Tahir Baig, Mubasir Khan, Muhammad Akhlaq (wk), Rohail Nazir (wk), Shahnawaz Dahani, Sufiyan Muqeem and Usman Qadir
Player Support Personnel – Shahid Aslam (head coach-cum-manager), Umar Rasheed (bowling coach), Hanif Malik (batting and fielding coach) and Hafiz Naeem ul Rasool (physiotherapist)
Rigorous Preparations for the Upcoming Challenge
To ensure peak performance in the Asian Games, the Pakistan Shaheens underwent an intensive five-day training camp at the National Cricket Academy in Lahore. During this preparatory phase, players honed their skills through rigorous training sessions and simulated match scenarios, fine-tuning their abilities for the challenges ahead.
The squad comprises 15 talented players, with seven of them having previously represented Pakistan in international cricket. These seasoned players include Aamir Jamal, Arshad Iqbal, Asif Ali, Haider Ali, Khushdil Shah, Shahnawaz Dahani, and Usman Qadir. Their experience will be pivotal in guiding the team through the tournament’s high-pressure situations.
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