Pakistan have appointed fast-bowling all-rounder Mohammad Abbas Afridi captain for the Hong Kong Sixes 2026, with the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) announcing a seven-member squad for the three-day tournament beginning October 30. Pakistan will enter the competition as defending champions after winning the title in 2025.
The PCB confirmed on October 9 that the tournament will take place at Tin Kwong Road Recreation Ground in Hong Kong from October 30 to November 1. Pakistan are among 12 participating teams and have been placed in Pool C.
The squad combines familiar names from Pakistan’s domestic and shorter-format cricket, including aggressive batters and pace options suited to the fast-scoring six-a-side format.
Key Points
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has named Mohammad Abbas Afridi captain for the Hong Kong Sixes 2026.
Pakistan’s seven-member squad includes Abdul Samad, Ahmed Daniyal, Muhammad Irfan Khan, Khawaja Nafay, Muhammad Shahzad and Saad Masood.
The tournament will take place at Tin Kwong Road Recreation Ground in Hong Kong from October 30 to November 1.
Pakistan have been placed in Pool C and will compete against 11 other teams in the 12-team tournament.
Pakistan enter the competition as defending champions after defeating Kuwait by 43 runs in the 2025 final.
Pakistan Squad for Hong Kong Sixes 2026
The PCB has selected the following seven players:
Mohammad Abbas Afridi (captain)
Abdul Samad
Ahmed Daniyal
Muhammad Irfan Khan
Khawaja Nafay
Muhammad Shahzad
Saad Masood
Pakistan are scheduled to depart for Hong Kong on October 28, two days before the tournament begins.
The PCB announcement confirms the squad and pool placement, although supporters should consult the official tournament schedule for confirmed match timings and individual fixtures.
Why Abbas Afridi’s Appointment Matters
Abbas Afridi brings experience in an attacking format where a few overs can determine the outcome of a match. The Hong Kong Sixes places a premium on rapid scoring, powerful hitting and effective bowling under pressure.
His previous performance in the competition provides a reason for Pakistan supporters to pay attention. Pakistan defeated Kuwait by 43 runs in the 2025 final, scoring 135 for three in six overs. Abbas struck 52 from just 11 deliveries, hitting seven sixes and four fours, and received both player-of-the-match and player-of-the-tournament honours.
That performance makes him a particularly notable figure as Pakistan prepare to defend their title. However, the new tournament will present a fresh challenge, and last year’s results do not guarantee another championship.
Pakistan Face a Competitive 12-Team Tournament
The 2026 competition will feature 12 teams divided into four pools of three. Pakistan have been placed in Pool C, with their group fixtures to be followed through the official tournament schedule.
The Hong Kong Sixes is a distinctive version of cricket designed for short, high-intensity matches. With only six overs per innings, teams have little time to recover from a slow start or a cluster of wickets. Batting depth, quick decision-making and economical bowling can all become decisive.
The tournament also offers Pakistan an opportunity to build on last year’s success while giving its selected players experience in a format that rewards adaptability.
For fans following Pakistan cricket, the key questions will be whether Abbas can reproduce his explosive hitting and whether the squad can maintain the consistency required across a short tournament.
Pakistan’s title defence begins in Hong Kong on October 30. The team will aim to turn its previous success into another strong campaign, with the final outcome depending on performances across the three-day competition.
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