Web DEsk: Pakistan have announced a 15-member Shaheens squad for the ACC Men’s Rising Stars Asia Cup 2026, with Abdul Samad named captain for the regional tournament.
India A have also confirmed their squad, with Tilak Varma set to lead the side, setting up another closely watched contest between the two cricketing rivals.
The Pakistan Cricket Board has handed the captaincy to Abdul Samad, who will lead a squad featuring a mix of emerging batters, bowlers and wicketkeeping options.
Rohail Nazir will take the gloves, while the squad also includes Mohammad Hasnain, Sufiyan Muqeem, Haider Ali and Danish Aziz.
The 15-member Pakistan Shaheens squad is:
Abdul Samad (captain), Ahmed Daniyal, Aqib Javed, Danish Aziz, Farhan Yousuf, Haider Ali, Hassan Nawaz, Muaz Sadaqat, Mohammad Hasnain, Mohammad Imran Randhawa, Rohail Nazir (wicketkeeper), Saad Masood, Shahzaib Khan, Shamil Hussain and Sufiyan Muqeem.
India A will enter the tournament under the leadership of Tilak Varma, adding further interest to the competition as the two sides prepare to face each other at the emerging-player level.
The tournament is expected to provide young cricketers from across the region with an opportunity to gain valuable experience in a competitive international environment.
With Abdul Samad leading Pakistan Shaheens and Tilak Varma captaining India A, the tournament will offer a platform for several promising players to strengthen their credentials.
Pakistan will look to its balanced squad to make an impact in the competition, while India A will aim to build momentum under Varma’s leadership.
