Karachi’s rising star Saad Baig has earned a well-deserved call-up after a tremendous season, as the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) announced the 16-member Pakistan Shaheens squad for the upcoming T20 and 50-over series against the England Lions.
The announcement comes with exciting news for under-20 cricket fans as 20-year-old Saad — fresh off a breakout season — joins a talented group set to compete in Abu Dhabi later this month.
The three-match T20 series starts on Friday, February 20, followed by a five-match 50-over series from February 27 to March 9, with all matches scheduled at Stadium Oval in Abu Dhabi. Before departure, the Shaheens will run a seven-day training camp in Karachi from February 11-17.
Saad Baig, a left-hand wicket-keeper batter from Karachi, enjoyed a standout season that earned him this Pakistan Shaheens opportunity.
Last season, he scored big runs across domestic and age-group competitions. In the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy, across 10 matches and 19 innings, he amassed a staggering 1000 runs at an average of 55.55, registering four centuries and three fifties, with a highest score of 154.
In the Hanif Mohammad Trophy 2025-26, the left-hander announced his arrival as a match-winner. In just four matches, he compiled 474 runs at 59.25, including two centuries and a career-best 190
Even in the shortest format, Baig found ways to contribute. During the National T20 2024-25, he scored 79 runs in three innings, remaining unbeaten twice and averaging 79.00.
Meanwhile, Left-hand batter Shamyl Hussain will captain Pakistan Shaheens in both formats. The batting lineup also includes Abdul Samad, Hasan Nawaz, Maaz Sadaqat (ACC Men’s Asia Cup Rising Stars’ Player of the Tournament) and Saad Khan.
Pakistan’s exciting under-19 crop continues to break through, with Sameer Minhas and his brother Arafat Minhas both selected following strong performances in the ICC U19 World Cup and ACC Rising Stars tournament.
The spin department features Saad Masood and left-arm wrist spinner Sufyan Moqim, while the pace attack is led by Ahmed Daniyal, Akif Javed, Ali Raza, Mohammad Salman and Shahid Aziz — a fast bowling lineup eyed as crucial against the England Lions.
The touring party will be backed by a strong support cast: former Pakistan captain Sarfaraz Ahmed serves as mentor and team manager, with Ijaz Ahmed Jr as head coach. Former international Mansoor Amjad joins as fielding coach, and ex-Test fast bowler Aizaz Cheema will lead the bowling department, supported by physiotherapist Mohammad Tahir and performance analyst Usman Hashmi.
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 and Sufyan Moqim.
