Irfan to lead Shaheens in Asia Cup

By Alam Zeb Safi
LAHORE: Muhammad Irfan Khan has been appointed captain of Pakistan Shaheens for the eight-team Men’s Asia Cup Rising Stars 2025, scheduled to take place in Qatar from 14 to 23 November.

Pakistan Shaheens have been placed in Group ‘B’ alongside Oman, India ‘A’, and the UAE, while Group ‘A’ comprises Afghanistan ‘A’, Bangladesh ‘A’, Hong Kong, and Sri Lanka ‘A’.

The Shaheens will open their T20 campaign against Oman on Friday, 14 November, followed by a high-profile clash against India ‘A’ on Sunday, 16 November. Their final group match will be played against UAE on Tuesday, 18 November.

According to the tournament format, the top two teams from each group will advance to the semi-finals, scheduled for 21 November, with the final to be played on Sunday, 23 November.

All matches will be held at the West End Park International Cricket Stadium in Doha.

Prior to their departure for Qatar on 12 November, Pakistan Shaheens will hold a training camp from 8 to 11 November at the Hanif Muhammad High Performance Centre, Karachi.

Pakistan Shaheens squad (15 players):
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.

Shaheens’ fixtures – Men’s Asia Cup Rising Stars 2025 (Group B):

v Oman – 14 November, West End Park International Cricket Stadium

v India ‘A’ – 16 November, West End Park International Cricket Stadium

v UAE – 18 November, West End Park International Cricket Stadium