The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has officially finalized its seven-member squad for the upcoming Hong Kong Sixes 2026, keeping faith in all-rounder Mohammad Abbas Afridi to direct the side. Heading into the competition as the reigning winners, the squad faces a demanding itinerary right from the opening round. Placed in Group C, their campaign begins with an opening fixture against the United Arab Emirates (UAE). On the very same day, the stage will be set for a high-voltage clash when they take on arch-rivals India at the Mission Road Ground in Mong Kok on October 30.
Proven Performers Back for the Title Defense
Pakistan clinched silverware in the 2025 edition under the tactical helm of Abbas Afridi, who led from the front with both bat and ball. Across five outings in that tournament, the skipper accumulated 138 runs at a blistering strike rate while also claiming 3 scalps. His batting colleague Abdul Samad proved equally devastating for bowling attacks, racking up 142 quick runs punctuated by an explosive half-century.
Wicketkeeper-batter Khawaja Nafay, who stood out as one of the most prolific run-getters in the previous campaign with a tally of 151 runs, returns to anchor the top order. The bowling department will rely on all-rounder Muhammad Shehzad, whose discipline yielded 7 wickets during the previous edition, highlighted by standout figures of 3 wickets conceded for just 11 runs. The board expects these key match-winners to replicate their match-defining exploits on the field once again.
Event Structure and Group Rivals
The touring contingent will depart for Hong Kong on October 28 ahead of the fast-paced, three-day event. A total of 12 international teams are slated to contest the trophy, divided evenly into four groups of three. Pakistan shares Group C with India and the UAE. With experienced seamer Bhuvneshwar Kumar already named to captain the Indian contingent, the October 30 face-off between the neighbouring nations promises to be one of the premier attractions of the competition.
Confirmed Seven-Player Lineup
The selected roster comprises Mohammad Abbas Afridi as captain, accompanied by Abdul Samad, Ahmed Daniyal, Muhammad Irfan Khan, Khawaja Nafay, Muhammad Shehzad, and Saad Masood.
