The much-anticipated ACC Mens Emerging Asia Cup 2024 is set to kick off in Oman from October 18 to October 27, featuring a total of eight competing teams. This tournament presents an excellent opportunity for emerging players to showcase their skills on an international stage. Among the participating nations, five are full member nations of the Asian Cricket Council. The Pakistan Cricket Board has officially announced its team, appointing a relatively young captain who has previously garnered success in this format.
Pakistan A Team Announcement
Mohammad Haris, having participated in 9 T20 internationals and 6 ODIs for Pakistan, has been designated as the captain of the Pakistan A team for the Emerging Asia Cup 2024. This is a significant leadership role for Haris, especially given his prior experience leading the team to victory in the last edition of the tournament. Under his captaincy, Pakistan A triumphed in the final against India A by a convincing margin of 128 runs.
The selected squad includes several players making their debut in Pakistan’s A team, such as Abdul Samad, Ahmed Daniyal, Yasir Khan, and Zaman Khan. The squad has been formulated to balance youthful energy with experienced players, ensuring competitiveness throughout the tournament. Prior to their departure for Oman on October 16, the team will undergo a training camp at the Hanif Mohammad High-Performance Center in Karachi, scheduled from October 11 to 15. This preparation is crucial as it will fine-tune the players’ skills and strategies ahead of their first major clash against India.
Grouping and Match Schedule
The tournament features a total of eight teams divided into two groups. Pakistan A is placed in Group B along with India A, UAE, and Oman, while Group A consists of Sri Lanka A, Bangladesh A, Afghanistan A, and Hong Kong. The high-stakes encounter between India A and Pakistan A is slated for October 19, drawing anticipation from cricket enthusiasts worldwide, as these matches often stir intense rivalry and passion among fans.
Following their opening match against India, Pakistan’s subsequent fixtures include a game against Oman on October 21 and a final group match versus UAE on October 23. The top two teams from each group will advance to the semi-finals set for October 25, leading up to a thrilling final on October 27.
Full Squad for Pakistan A Team
The squad representing Pakistan A is as follows:
- Mohammad Haris (captain)
- Abdul Samad
- Ahmed Daniyal
- Arafat Minhas
- Haider Ali
- Hasibullah
- Mehran Mumtaz
- Mohammad Abbas Afridi
- Mohammad Imran Jr.
- Omair bin Yusuf
- Qasim Akram
- Shahnawaz Dahani
- Sufiyan Mokim
- Yasir Khan
- Zaman Khan
Team Management
The management team supporting the players includes:
- Umar Rashid (Head Coach and Manager)
- Imran Farhat (Batting Coach)
- Riftullah Mohammad (Fielding Coach)
- Usman Hashmi (Analyst)
- Syed Mohammad Asad (Physiotherapist)
This Emerging Asia Cup is not just a competition; it serves as a platform for the next generation of cricketers to display their talent, build experience, and possibly secure their places in the national team. Fans around the globe are eager to witness the burgeoning stars of Asian cricket compete at this prestigious tournament.
