PCB announces Pakistan squad for Hong Kong Sixes

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) on Friday announced the squad for the Hong Kong Sixes, naming Abbas Afridi captain for the six-a-side tournament scheduled to take place from October 30 to November 1.

The tournament will be held at Tin Kwong Road Recreation Ground in Hong Kong. Pakistan will depart for the event on October 28 and compete against 11 other teams.

Defending champions Pakistan have been placed in Group C alongside India and the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Pakistan won the previous edition by defeating Kuwait in the final, securing their sixth title.

Australia, Hong Kong, China and England form Group A, while Bangladesh, Scotland and Sri Lanka are in Group B. Group D comprises South Africa, Oman and Afghanistan.

Pakistan will begin their campaign against the UAE at 7:35am Pakistan Standard Time (PST) on Friday, October 30, before facing India at 11:15am the same day.

The opening day will feature nine matches, starting with Australia taking on Hong Kong, China at 5:45am PST. Bangladesh will face Scotland at 6:40am.

The remaining group-stage matches will be played on Saturday, October 31, with Oman facing Afghanistan in the first match of the day at 5:45am PST.

The knockout stage will also begin on Saturday. The top-ranked teams from each group will advance to the Cup semi-finals, while second-placed teams will compete in the Plate semi-finals and third-placed teams in the Bowl semi-finals.

The tournament will conclude on Sunday, November 1, with the finals and placement matches. The Cup final is scheduled for 12:10pm PST, while the Bowl and Plate finals are set for 10:20am and 11:15am, respectively.