Cricket

Hong Kong Sixes 2026: Pakistan Announce Squad for Title Defence, Mohammad Abbas Afridi Named Captain

The Pakistan Cricket Board has announced its seven-member squad for the Hong Kong Sixes 2026, with Mohammad Abbas Afridi leading the defending champions. The tournament runs from October 30 to November 1 at Tin Kwong Road Recreation Ground. Pakistan, drawn in Pool C with India and UAE, will face arch-rivals India on October 30.

Hong Kong Sixes 2026: Pakistan Announce Squad for Title Defence, Mohammad Abbas Afridi Named Captain
Mohammad Abbas Afridi (Photo Credit: X/@Cricfollow)

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) today, October 9, 2026, officially unveiled its seven-member squad for the highly anticipated Hong Kong Sixes 2026. Mohammad Abbas Afridi, a key performer from their victorious 2025 campaign, has been handed the captaincy, leading a strong contingent aiming to defend their title at the Tin Kwong Road Recreation Ground. Hong Kong Sixes 2026: Bhuvneshwar Kumar to Lead India Squad; Krunal Pandya, T Natarajan Included.

The announcement comes as Pakistan prepares to depart for Hong Kong on October 28, just two days before the 22nd edition of the tournament kicks off. The Men in Green, who clinched the trophy last year by defeating Kuwait, will be eager to maintain their dominance in the fast-paced, six-a-side format.

Pakistan Squad for Hong Kong Sixes 2026

Abbas Afridi will lead a youthful yet talented side. The full squad includes:

  • Mohammad Abbas Afridi (Captain)
  • Abdul Samad
  • Ahmed Daniyal
  • Muhammad Irfan Khan
  • Khawaja Nafay
  • Muhammad Shahzad
  • Saad Masood

Raza Kitchlew has been appointed as the Team Manager for the squad.

Tournament Details and Key Fixtures

The Hong Kong Sixes 2026 will feature 12 international teams competing over three days, from October 30 to November 1, at the Tin Kwong Road Recreation Ground in Hong Kong. Pakistan has been drawn in Pool C, a challenging group that includes arch-rivals India and the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

Pakistan's schedule for the group stage includes two high-octane encounters:

Date Match Time (PKT) Venue
October 30, 2026 Pakistan vs UAE 7:35 AM Tin Kwong Road Recreation Ground
October 30, 2026 India vs Pakistan 11:15 AM Tin Kwong Road Recreation Ground

The tournament will conclude with the Cup Final scheduled for 12:10 PM PKT on Sunday, November 1. Pakistan vs Sri Lanka Free Live Streaming in India: Watch PAK vs SL 1st T20I on Veto App.

Pakistan's Title Defence and Recent Form

Pakistan enters the 2026 edition as the defending champions, having secured the title in 2025 under the leadership of Abbas Afridi, where they triumphed over Kuwait in the final. Afridi himself had an outstanding individual performance in the 2025 tournament, smashing 138 runs at a remarkable strike rate of 460 across five matches, demonstrating his prowess in this explosive format.

With a mix of established nations and emerging teams, the Hong Kong Sixes promises three days of exhilarating cricket. Pakistan will look to leverage their recent success and the dynamic leadership of Abbas Afridi to once again lift the coveted trophy.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Oct 09, 2026 05:24 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).