PCB Names 16-Member Pakistan Shaheens Squad for England Lions Tour
LAHORE: The Pakistan Cricket Board has announced a 16-player Pakistan Shaheens squad for an upcoming white-ball assignment against the England Lions, set to take place in Abu Dhabi.
The tour will feature two separate series — a three-match T20 contest beginning on 20 February, followed by a five-match 50-over series running from 27 February to 9 March. Every fixture will be played at the Stadium Oval, Abu Dhabi.
In preparation, the Shaheens will gather for a week-long training camp in Karachi from 11 to 17 February before departing for the UAE.
Left-handed batter Shamyl Hussain has been appointed captain for both formats. The batting unit includes Abdul Samad, Hasan Nawaz, Maaz Sadaqat — the ACC Men’s Asia Cup Rising Stars Player of the Tournament — and fellow left-hander Saad Khan.
Youngster Sameer Minhas, who represented Pakistan at the U19 World Cup, has earned selection for both series, joining his brother Arafat Minhas, continuing the siblings’ rise following strong performances in youth and emerging-level tournaments.
Behind the stumps, Rohail Nazir and Saad Baig will rotate wicketkeeping responsibilities. The spin department will be led by Arafat Minhas, leg-spinner Saad Masood, and left-arm wrist spinner Sufyan Moqim.
The pace attack features Ali Raza, fresh from U19 cricket, alongside Ahmed Daniyal, Akif Javed, Mohammad Salman, and Shahid Aziz.
Former Pakistan captain Sarfaraz Ahmed will accompany the side as mentor and team manager. The coaching staff will be headed by ex-Test cricketer Ijaz Ahmed Jr, with Mansoor Amjad serving as fielding coach and former fast bowler Aizaz Cheema overseeing bowling duties.
Pakistan Shaheens Squad
Shamyl Hussain (captain), Abdul Samad, Arafat Minhas, Ahmed Daniyal, Akif Javed, Ali Raza, Hasan Nawaz, Maaz Sadaqat, Mohammad Salman, Rohail Nazir (wk), Saad Baig (wk), Saad Khan, Saad Masood, Sameer Minhas, Shahid Aziz, Sufyan Moqim.
Support Staff
Sarfaraz Ahmed (mentor & team manager), Ijaz Ahmed Jr (head coach), Mansoor Amjad (fielding coach), Aizaz Cheema (bowling coach), Mohammad Tahir (physiotherapist), Usman Hashmi (performance analyst).
Match Schedule – Pakistan Shaheens vs England Lions
1st T20: 20 February
2nd T20: 22 February
3rd T20: 24 February
1st 50-over: 27 February
2nd 50-over: 1 March
3rd 50-over: 4 March
4th 50-over: 6 March
5th 50-over: 9 March
