Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has recently made an exciting announcement regarding the upcoming ACC Men's Emerging Asia Cup 2023. The board revealed that Mohammad Haris, a talented wicketkeeper-batter, will lead the Pakistan Shaheens team in this highly anticipated cricket tournament. The eight-team event is scheduled to take place in Sri Lanka from 14 to 23 July, featuring 15 thrilling matches.
The Journey Begins
Following the conclusion of Eid Al Adha holidays, the squad will gather at the National Cricket Academy in Lahore on Monday, 3 July, for an intensive week-long training camp. Afterward, the team will make their way to Colombo on 12 July in preparation for the tournament.
Defending Champions Eyeing Success
The Shaheens, known for their exceptional performance in the previous edition, enter the tournament as the defending champions. They have been placed in Group A alongside India A, Nepal, and Sri Lanka. Group B comprises Afghanistan A, Bangladesh A, Oman, and the United Arab Emirates. The top two teams from each group will advance to the semifinals, leading up to the highly anticipated final clash.
Exciting Group Stage Matches
The Shaheens will kickstart their campaign against Nepal on 14 July, setting the tone for their tournament journey. Subsequently, they will face tough opponents in India A on 16 July and Sri Lanka A on 18 July. These matches are expected to be fiercely contested as all teams strive to secure their spot in the knockout stage.
Rising Star Takes Charge
Leading the Shaheens in this prestigious tournament is the talented 22-year-old cricketer, Mohammad Haris. While Haris has already represented Pakistan in five ODIs and nine T20Is, this will be his first time captaining the Shaheens. Haris brings a wealth of experience to the team and will be a key player to watch out for during the tournament.
A Blend of Youth and Experience
Joining Haris in the squad are several other international players who have made their mark on the cricketing stage. The team comprises Arshad Iqbal (1 T20I), Kamran Ghulam (1 ODI), Mohammad Wasim Jnr (2 Tests, 14 ODIs, 27 T20Is), Sahibzada Farhan (3 T20Is), Saim Ayub (8 T20Is), Shahnawaz Dahani (2 ODIs, 11 T20Is), and Tayyab Tahir (3 T20Is). This combination of youth and experience promises an exciting and competitive performance from the Shaheens.
A Glimpse of the Squad
Here is the complete squad for the ACC Men's Emerging Asia Cup 2023:
- Mohammad Haris (captain, wicketkeeper) (Peshawar)
- Omair Bin Yousuf (vice-captain) (Karachi)
- Amad Butt (Sialkot)
- Arshad Iqbal (Swabi)
- Haseebullah (Quetta)
- Kamran Ghulam (Peshawar)
- Mehran Mumtaz (Rawalpindi)
- Mubasir Khan (Islamabad)
- Mohammad Wasim Jnr (North Waziristan)
- Qasim Akram (Lahore)
- Sahibzada Farhan (Charsadda)
- Saim Ayub (Karachi)
- Shahnawaz Dahani (Larkana)
- Sufiyan Muqeem (AJK)
- Tayyab Tahir (Gujrat)
Non-Traveling Reserves
The following players have been selected as non-traveling reserves: Abdul Wahid Bangalzai, Mohammad Abbas Afridi, Mohammad Junaid, and Rohail Nazir. While they may not be part of the main squad for this tournament, their presence and backup will be crucial to the team's success.
Mark Your Calendars
Cricket enthusiasts and supporters of Pakistan Shaheens can mark their calendars for the thrilling group stage matches:
- Pakistan vs. Nepal on 14 July
- Pakistan vs. India A on 16 July
- Pakistan vs. Sri Lanka A on 18 July
These matches promise to deliver intense cricketing action and showcase the talent and skills of emerging players from the participating nations.
As the cricketing world eagerly awaits the ACC Men's Emerging Asia Cup 2023, fans have high hopes for the Pakistan Shaheens to defend their title and shine on the international stage once again.
