Pakistan U23 captain Hammad Azam will lead his side in the inaugural Emerging Teams Cup being held in Singapore, hoping to bring home the trophy. PHOTO: AFP
KARACHI:
The Pakistan U23 team, led by all-rounder Hammad Azam, departed today for Singapore to take part in the inaugural Emerging Teams Cup, with the title in their sights.
The event, which will be held from August 17-25, was initiated by the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) to help develop young and promising cricketers in the region.
Eight teams divided into two groups are taking part in the tournament, with the top two teams from each group to get a slot in the semi-finals.
Pakistan U23 is placed with India U23 in Group A, a pool that also includes senior teams from Afghanistan and Nepal. The UAE and Singapore are the other two sides to send their senior squads and have been placed in Group B along with Sri Lanka U23 and Bangladesh U23.
Majority of the selected players have played for the Pakistan U19 team, while a few cricketers including Azam, Raza Hasan and Ehsan Adil have already represented the senior team.
Before their departure, an upbeat Azam stated that his side was aiming to clinch the title.
“We have a balanced side and all the players are determined to do well,” said the Pakistan U23 captain, who has featured in eight One-Day Internationals and five Twenty20 games.
However, the young all-rounder said the upcoming challenge would not be an easy task for his team.
“India will be a very tough side to play against while Afghanistan is also a very good team. But we are looking forward to a positive display and targeting to return home with the trophy.”
Team well prepared, says coach
Mansoor Rana, who is serving as coach of the team, said the squad had prepared well for the tournament.
“Even though we didn’t have lengthy training sessions before the campaign, the players are in rhythm due to their participation in the various Ramazan events. That will help.
“They gave a good show in the two practice matches in the last couple of days.”
Mansoor appreciated the ACC’s effort to initiate the tournament.
“It is an important event, especially for us since our youngsters are not getting a taste of international cricket at home.
“This competition is a good opportunity for players to get valuable international experience and prove their mettle.”
The coach further added that he expected interesting challenges during the course of the event.
“We are hoping for exciting matches in the presence of teams like India and Afghanistan.”
Pakistan U23 are scheduled to clash with traditional rivals India U23 in their opening match on August 18, followed by games against Afghanistan and Nepal on August 19 and August 21 respectively. The opening match will be played between Singapore and Bangladesh U23.
Rain forces Pakistan players to train indoors
The national team, preparing for the upcoming tour of Zimbabwe, was confined to indoor training sessions due to heavy rains in Lahore yesterday.
However, the team management hoped to resume normal training today in two sessions including physical training and on field practice.
Published in The Express Tribune, August 15th, 2013.
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