Maaz Sadaqat, Hasan Nawaz named in Pakistan Shaheens squad for Qatar tournament

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) confirmed the squad on Tuesday, including Maaz Sadaqat and Hasan Nawaz as the Shaheens prepare to defend their 50-over title. Pakistan won the previous edition in 2023 and are also the reigning champions of the T20 competition, having defeated Bangladesh A in a final that was decided by a Super Over.

Eight teams will participate in the tournament, divided into two groups.

Pakistan have been drawn in Group B alongside India A, Nepal and the United Arab Emirates, while Group A features Afghanistan A, Bangladesh A, Hong Kong China and Sri Lanka A.The Shaheens will begin their campaign against the UAE on November 20, followed by a match against India A on November 22 and Nepal on November 24.

Their opening fixture will take place at the University of Doha for Science and Technology ground, while the remaining group matches will be played at West End Park International Cricket Stadium. Except for Pakistan's opening match, all group-stage fixtures will be day-night games.

The semi-finals are scheduled for November 26 and 27, followed by the final on November 29. Samad will lead a batting line-up featuring Maaz Sadaqat, Hasan Nawaz, Haider Ali, Shahzaib Khan, Farhan Yousuf and Shamyl Hussain.

Rohail Nazir has been selected as the team's wicketkeeper. The squad also includes three spin options: left-arm spin all-rounder Danish Aziz, leg-spinner Saad Masood and Sufyan Moqim. The pace department comprises Mohammad Hasnain, Ahmed Daniyal, Akif Javed and Muhammad Imran Randhawa.

Ahmed Daniyal was also part of the Shaheens team that lifted the previous T20 title, playing an important role in their victory over Bangladesh A in the Super Over final. Pakistan claimed the 2023 50-over title in Sri Lanka after defeating India A by 128 runs in the final.

The team had finished runners-up in the inaugural 2013 edition and again in 2017 before securing the championship in 2019. The Shaheens will now look to retain their crown against emerging teams from across the region, with the group-stage encounter against India A expected to be one of the tournament's major fixtures.