Pakistan Shaheens captain Qasim Akram has expressed the hope to win medal in the 19th Asian Games to be held in China city Hangzhou from 28 September to 7 October.
In the T20 format tournament, Pakistan Shaheens have earned direct qualification to the quarter-finals, thanks to their position as one of the top four ICC ranked sides in the continent.
The quarter-finals are scheduled for October 3-4, with Pakistan playing their quarter-final match on October 3 at Zhejiang University of Technology Pingfeng Cricket Field in Hangzhou. The semi-finals will follow on October 6, while the final and the bronze medal match are slated for Saturday, October 7.
To prepare for the tournament, Pakistan Shaheens underwent a five-day camp at the National Cricket Academy in Lahore. Under the guidance of coaches, players engaged in training sessions and match scenarios to get ready for the competition.
The squad comprises 15 players, seven of whom have already represented Pakistan in international cricket. These experienced players include Aamir Jamal (2 T20Is), Arshad Iqbal (1 T20I), Asif Ali (21 ODIs, 55 T20Is), Haider Ali (2 ODIs, 33 T20Is), Khushdil Shah (10 ODIs, 24 T20Is), Shahnawaz Dahani (2 ODIs, 11 T20Is), and Usman Qadir (1 ODI, 23 T20Is).
Captain Qasim Akram expressed his excitement, stating, “It is an honor for me to lead the side in the Asian Games. The players have performed well in the past, winning the ACC Emerging Asia Cup recently, and I am looking forward to the same performance from the players in the upcoming games.”
He also emphasized the team’s readiness for challenges posed by spinning wickets and urged fans to support the Shaheens side in the Asian Games.
