Pakistan cricket’s next generation is gearing up for a major test as Muhammad Irfan Khan has been named captain of the Pakistan Shaheens for the upcoming ACC Asia Cup Rising Stars 2025, set to take place in Qatar later this month.
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) confirmed the 15-member squad on Friday, signalling a fresh opportunity for several promising names to make their mark on the international stage.
A Big Chance for the Young Guns
The Rising Stars tournament is more than just another event on the cricket calendar; it’s a platform where emerging cricketers get the chance to step out of the shadows and show the world what they’re made of.
For Irfan Khan, who has been quietly building a reputation as a solid middle-order batter with a calm temperament, this captaincy is a reward for consistency and hard work. His leadership in this tournament could very well shape Pakistan’s future bench strength.
Tournament Format and Fixtures
The ACC Asia Cup Rising Stars 2025 will run from 14 to 23 November in Doha, with the West End Park International Cricket Stadium serving as the host venue for all the games.
Pakistan Shaheens are placed in Group B, which includes Oman, India ‘A’, and UAE. It’s a competitive group and, naturally, the Pakistan-India clash will be one to watch.
Here’s a quick look at Pakistan’s group-stage schedule:
- vs Oman – Friday, 14 November
- vs India ‘A’ – Sunday, 16 November
- vs UAE – Tuesday, 18 November
The top two teams from each group will move on to the semi-finals on 21 November. The final is scheduled for Sunday, 23 November.
Preparation and Training Camp
Before flying out to Qatar, the Shaheens will attend a four-day training camp from 8 to 11 November at the Hanif Muhammad High Performance Centre in Karachi.
The camp will focus on fine-tuning match awareness, fielding drills, and adapting to T20 conditions similar to those expected in Doha.
It’s a short but crucial window for the head coach and support staff to get the boys ready.
The Squad at a Glance
Here’s the Pakistan Shaheens squad for the tournament:
Muhammad Irfan Khan (captain), Ahmed Daniyal, Arafat Minhas, Maaz Sadaqat, Mohammad Faiq, Muhammad Ghazi Ghori, Mohammad Naeem, Mohammad Salman, Mohammad Shahzad, Mubasir Khan, Saad Masood, Shahid Aziz, Sufiyan Moqim, Ubaid Shah, and Yasir Khan.
It’s a balanced squad with a mix of young players and some experienced domestic players. It’s a sign that the selectors are looking to build a well-rounded side.
Players like Mubasir Khan and Arafat Minhas bring valuable all-round ability, while Ubaid Shah adds youthful pace and aggression. Together, they form a squad that promises both flair and fight.
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