New Delhi, Nov 3: Pakistan international Abdul Samad has been named captain of Pakistan Shaheens for the 50-over Men's Asia Cup Rising Stars tournament, which will be held in Qatar from November 19 to 29.

The selectors, on November 3, announced a 15-member squad for the eight-team tournament, with the team featuring a mix of international experience and emerging talent. Pakistan Shaheens will enter the competition as defending champions, having won the previous 50-over edition in 2023.

The batting unit includes Hasan Nawaz, who recently returned to Pakistan's ODI team after a year-long absence during the tri-series, alongside Haider Ali, Maaz Sadaqat, Shamyl Hussain, Farhan Yousaf and Shahzaib Khan.

Yousaf and Shahzaib are the only two players in the squad who are yet to make their international debuts.

Mohammad Hasnain Leads Pakistan Shaheens' Bowling Attack

Fast bowler Mohammad Hasnain will spearhead the bowling attack. The right-arm pacer made his ODI debut in 2019 and brings considerable international experience to the squad.

He will be supported by Ahmed Daniyal, Akif Javed and Sufyan Moqim, who was part of Pakistan's squad during the Rawalpindi leg of the recent tri-series.

The selectors have also included three all-rounders in Mohammad Imran, Saad Masood and Danish Aziz.

Imran has enjoyed a notable rise in his career, having made his Test debut in September during the third Test against England at Edgbaston. He also made his T20I debut against Sri Lanka last month.

Former Pakistan U19 captain Rohail Nazir has been named the only wicketkeeper in the squad.

Pakistan Shaheens Aim To Defend Rising Stars Asia Cup Title

Pakistan Shaheens hold both the T20 and 50-over Asia Cup Rising Stars titles.

The team won the previous 50-over edition in 2023, defeating India A by 128 runs in the final at the R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo, Sri Lanka.

Pakistan will be keen to defend their title in Qatar, where they have been placed in Group B alongside UAE, India A and Nepal.

The defending champions will begin their campaign against UAE on November 20, before taking on India A on November 22. Their final group-stage match will be against Nepal on November 25.

Group A comprises Bangladesh A, Sri Lanka A, Afghanistan A and Hong Kong, China.

The top two teams from each group will qualify for the semi-finals, which are scheduled to be played on November 26 and 27. The final will take place on November 29.

Pakistan Shaheens Squad For Rising Stars Asia Cup 2026

Abdul Samad (captain), Ahmed Daniyal, Akif Javed, Danish Aziz, Farhan Yousaf, Haider Ali, Hasan Nawaz, Maaz Sadaqat, Mohammad Hasnain, Mohammad Imran, Rohail Nazir (wk), Saad Masood, Shahzaib Khan, Shamyl Hussain, Sufyan Moqim.

Story first published: Tuesday, November 3, 2026, 20:11 [IST]

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