Pakistan U17 squad announced for Sri Lanka series in Multan
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has announced the 16-member squad for the home series, with Azan set to lead the young side against Sri Lanka.
The series will allow Pakistan’s emerging players to gain experience in international youth cricket on home soil.
Pakistan U17 to play six matches
The series will consist of six matches in total.
The two sides will first play a three-day match from October 9 to 11. This will be followed by five one-day matches on October 15, 17, 19, 21 and 24.
Both teams will also hold training sessions at the Multan Cricket Stadium from October 6 to 8 before the series begins. The schedule will provide the young players with exposure to both longer and limited-overs formats.
Azan Ahmed’s impressive U17 record
Azan Ahmed, 17, earned the captaincy after an impressive campaign for Rawalpindi U17 in the National Men’s U17 Cup earlier this year. The right-arm leg-spinner took 36 wickets in eight matches during the tournament, finishing among the leading wicket-takers.
His best bowling figures were four for 28, which he recorded against Lahore Blues U17 at Iqbal Stadium in Faisalabad. His performances played an important role in Rawalpindi’s successful campaign.
Azan led Rawalpindi to the U17 Cup title
Azan also captained Rawalpindi U17 during their title-winning campaign. Rawalpindi defeated Abbottabad U17 by 125 runs in the final at Iqbal Stadium in Faisalabad.
The final was played from May 11 to 13. Azan contributed with both bat and ball during the tournament, helping Rawalpindi secure the National Men’s U17 Cup title.
Squad selected after development camp
The Pakistan U17 squad was selected following the national Skills Development Camp. A total of 48 players were initially called up for the camp, which began in Faisalabad on July 30. After the first phase, 30 players were shortlisted for the second phase of the camp.
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The selection process was then used to finalise the squad for the Sri Lanka series. The players selected for the series have gained experience through Pakistan’s National Men’s U17 competition.
Pakistan U17 squad for Sri Lanka series
The 16-member Pakistan U17 squad includes:
- Azan Ahmed (captain)
- Abdullah Ahmed Butt
- Arsalan Hassan
- Daud Tauqeer Rana
- Fahad Iqbal
- Hamid Raza
- Hamza Abbas Baloch
- Hassan Ali
- Mohammad Essa Baloch
- Mohammad Ihsaan
- Mohammad Naveed
- Mohammad Saim
- Mohammad Yaqoob Khan
- Mohammad Yousaf
- Sher Wali Khan
- Sudais Ahmed
The squad features several players who have already gained experience in Pakistan’s domestic U17 competition.
Sri Lanka U17 team to arrive on October 5
Sri Lanka U17 will arrive in Multan on October 5 ahead of the series.
Both teams will train at the Multan Cricket Stadium from October 6 to 8.
Full Pakistan U17 series schedule
All matches will be played at the Multan Cricket Stadium.
|
Date |
Match |
|
October 9–11 |
Three-day match |
|
October 15 |
First one-day match |
|
October 17 |
Second one-day match |
|
October 19 |
Third one-day match |
|
October 21 |
Fourth one-day match |
|
October 24 |
Fifth one-day match |
Young players get a chance to impress
The series will be an important opportunity for Pakistan’s young cricketers to perform against international opposition. For Azan, the assignment will also be an important leadership responsibility with the Pakistan U17 side.
His performances for Rawalpindi have already highlighted his ability as a young spinner and leader. The Sri Lanka series will now provide him and his teammates with another chance to develop their skills and gain valuable international experience.
