PCB announces Pakistan A Squad for Rising Stars Asia Cup 2026 as Abdul Samad named captain

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has announced its 15-member ‘A’ squad for the Rising Stars Asia Cup 2026, which begins on November 20 with a match against the United Arab Emirates (UAE) at the University of Doha Science and Technology. Abdul Samad has been named captain of the squad.  

Shaheens won the previous 50-over edition of the ACC Men’s Rising Stars in 2023 in Sri Lanka when they beat India A by 128 runs. In the previous edition, which was played in T20 format, they clinched the trophy by edging Bangladesh A in a thrilling final, which was decided by the super-over.

Pakistan A squad for Rising Stars Asia Cup 2026: Full player list and captain

Abdul Samad will lead the Shaheens in 2026. Apart from the skipper, Hasan Nawaz, Maaz Sadaqat, Haider Ali, Shahzaib Khan, Farhan Yousuf, and Shamyl Hussain give them strength to build a strong batting order, with Rohail Nazir being listed as the designated wicket-keeper of the side.

The left-arm spin all-rounder, Danish Aziz, the leg spinner Saad Masood, and Sufyan Moqim are the trio of the squad’s spin department. The pace department is being led by Mohammad Hasnain. Akif Javed, the left-arm pacer, and Muhammad Imran Randhawa also find places in the squad.

See Also: ACB announces Afghanistan A squad for Asia Cup Rising Stars 2026: Ikram Alikhil to lead, check full squad and fixtures

Pakistan A squad: Abdul Samad (captain), Ahmed Daniyal, Akif Javed, Danish Aziz, Farhan Yousuf, Haider Ali, Hasan Nawaz, Maaz Sadaqat, Mohammad Hasnain, Muhammad Imran Randhawa, Rohail Nazir (w.k), Saad Masood, Shahzaib Khan, Shamyl Hussain, Sufyan Moqim

Pakistan A fixtures at Rising Stars Asia Cup 2026: Dates, timings and venues

Pakistan Shaheens are placed in Group B along with India A, Nepal, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE). They will start their campaign against the UAE side on November 20 before facing the India A side two days later. Their game against Nepal will be on November 24.

The semifinals of the competition will be played on November 26 and 27, respectively, with the final being scheduled to take place on November 29, Sunday. All of their matches are day-night and will be played at the Eden Park International Stadium.

See Also: BCCI announces India A squad for Rising Stars Asia Cup, names Tilak Varma captain

However, their opening game against UAE is a day fixture and will take place at the University of Doha Ground. Some of these players may give a strong audition for the next year’s ODI World Cup 2027 in South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Namibia.