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Pakistan squad for Asia Cup Rising Stars 2026 — Abdul Samad named captain; Full list of players, schedule

Pakistan has named Abdul Samad as captain for the upcoming **ACC Men’s Asia Cup Rising Stars 2026**, marking their return as defending champions after winning the 50-over edition in 2023. The 15-player squad, announced ahead of the tournament in Qatar (November 19–29), will kick off their campaign in Group B with a match against the United Arab Emirates on November 20.

Pakistan’s schedule includes high-profile fixtures against India A on November 22 and Nepal on November 24, with all group-stage games set at the **University of Doha Ground** and **West End Park International Cricket Stadium**. The team, which has previously finished as runners-up in 2013 and 2017 but won the 2019 edition, aims to build on their recent success in the tournament’s 50-over format.

The squad features a mix of experienced and emerging talent, including all-rounder Mohammad Hasnain and wicketkeeper Rohail Nazir, with Samad leading a group that also includes fast bowlers like Akif Javed and Saad Masood. Pakistan’s path to retaining their title begins with a test against UAE, followed by a clash with India A—a team they defeated by 128 runs in the 2023 final—before closing the group stage against Nepal.

The tournament’s Group A includes Afghanistan A, Bangladesh A, Hong Kong China, and Sri Lanka A, setting the stage for a competitive campaign in Qatar.

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