Abbas Afridi to Lead Pakistan in Hong Kong Sixes 2026 as PCB Announces Squad
LAHORE, PAKISTAN — WEB DESK: Pakistan fast bowler Mohammad Abbas Afridi has been appointed captain of the national squad for the Hong Kong Sixes 2026, with the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) announcing a seven-player lineup for the international six-a-side tournament.
The competition will take place from October 30 to November 1, 2026, at the Tin Kwong Road Recreation Ground in Hong Kong.
Pakistan will compete against 11 other international teams in the three-day event, which features a fast-paced version of cricket designed around six-player teams and short matches.
The national squad is scheduled to depart for Hong Kong on October 28, two days before the tournament begins.
Pakistan Announces Seven-Player Squad
Abbas Afridi will lead a squad featuring Abdul Samad, Ahmed Daniyal, Muhammad Irfan Khan, Khawaja Nafay, Muhammad Shahzad and Saad Masood.
Pakistan Squad — Hong Kong Sixes 2026
| Player | Role |
|---|---|
| Mohammad Abbas Afridi | Captain |
| Abdul Samad | Squad member |
| Ahmed Daniyal | Squad member |
| Muhammad Irfan Khan | Squad member |
| Khawaja Nafay | Squad member |
| Muhammad Shahzad | Squad member |
| Saad Masood | Squad member |
Team Manager: Raza Kitchlew
The seven-player selection gives Pakistan six players for its on-field lineup and an additional squad member for the tournament.
The announcement confirms the players and team manager but does not provide a detailed breakdown of batting positions, bowling responsibilities or the team’s planned combinations.
Pakistan Placed in Pool C
The 2026 Hong Kong Sixes will feature 12 teams divided into four pools, with three teams in each group.
Pakistan has been placed in Pool C.
Teams
12
Pools
4
Pakistan’s Group
C
Tournament dates
October 30 – November 1, 2026
3 days
Venue: Tin Kwong Road Recreation Ground, Hong Kong
Unlike conventional international cricket, the six-a-side format places greater emphasis on quick scoring, attacking batting and rapid changes in match momentum.
With fewer fielders and shorter matches, teams must adapt quickly to changing situations.
Abbas Afridi Takes Leadership Responsibility
The appointment gives Abbas Afridi an opportunity to lead Pakistan in an international tournament format that differs significantly from traditional limited-overs cricket.
His bowling experience could be valuable in a competition where individual overs and quick breakthroughs can have a considerable impact on results.
The selection also provides opportunities for other members of the squad to represent Pakistan in an international short-format event.
The PCB has confirmed the tournament dates, venue and travel schedule. However, Pakistan’s complete match-by-match fixtures and the identities of its Pool C opponents were not specified in the squad announcement.
Pakistan will begin its Hong Kong Sixes campaign on October 30, with Abbas Afridi leading the seven-member squad.
