Pakistan Shaheens’ squad announced for white-ball series against England Lions

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has unveiled a 16-member Pakistan Shaheens squad for the upcoming white-ball tour of England Lions, scheduled to be played in Abu Dhabi. The tour will feature a three-match T20 series followed by a five-match 50-over series, providing valuable exposure to Pakistan’s next generation of cricketers.

The T20 leg of the tour will begin on February 20, while the one-day series will run from February 27 to March 9. All eight matches will be played at the Stadium Oval in Abu Dhabi.

Ahead of the tour, the Shaheens will undergo a seven-day training camp in Karachi from February 11 to 17 before departing for the United Arab Emirates.

Left-handed batter Shamyl Hussain has been appointed captain for both formats, underlining the selectors’ confidence in his leadership and batting credentials. He will anchor a batting unit that includes Abdul Samad, Hasan Nawaz, ACC Men’s Asia Cup Rising Stars Player of the Tournament Maaz Sadaqat, and fellow left-hander Saad Khan.

The squad also features promising Pakistan U19 batter Sameer Minhas, who has been rewarded for his recent performances, alongside his brother Arafat Minhas. The Minhas brothers continue their rapid rise after impressive outings in the ICC U19 World Cup and the ACC Men’s Asia Cup Rising Stars.

Rohail Nazir and Saad Baig will share wicketkeeping responsibilities, adding depth and flexibility to the squad. In the spin department, Arafat Minhas will be supported by leg-spinner Saad Masood and left-arm wrist spinner Sufyan Moqim, forming a varied spin attack across both formats.

The pace unit includes Pakistan U19 fast bowler Ali Raza, who will be joined by Ahmed Daniyal, Akif Javed, Mohammad Salman and Shahid Aziz, giving the Shaheens a strong seam-bowling group suited to Abu Dhabi conditions.

Off the field, the team will be guided by experienced leadership. Former Pakistan captain Sarfaraz Ahmed has been appointed mentor and team manager for the tour. Former Test cricketer Ijaz Ahmed Jr will serve as head coach, with Mansoor Amjad taking charge as fielding coach and ex-Test pacer Aizaz Cheema overseeing the bowling department.

The series against England Lions is expected to play a crucial role in Pakistan’s talent development pathway, offering young players a chance to test themselves against strong opposition in competitive overseas conditions.

Pakistan Shaheens squad

Shamyl Hussain, Abdul Samad, Arafat Minhas, Ahmed Daniyal, Akif Javed, Ali Raza, Hasan Nawaz, Maaz Sadaqat, Mohammad Salman, Rohail Nazir, Saad Baig, Saad Khan, Saad Masood, Sameer Minhas, Shahid Aziz , Sufyan Moqim.

Schedule