🇵🇰 Pakistan’s Squad Announced for Hong Kong Sixes 2025
Cricket fans across the world have another thrilling short-format tournament to look forward to!
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has officially announced its squad for the Hong Kong Sixes 2025, and excitement is sky-high. The event runs from 7 to 9 November 2025 at the Tin Kwong Road Recreation Ground, promising three days of high-octane six-a-side cricket.
🌍 A Quick Look at the Hong Kong Sixes Format
The Hong Kong Sixes is unlike any other cricket event. Each team fields six players, and matches usually last five overs per side — pure entertainment, packed with boundaries, big hits, and athletic fielding.
After a seven-year break, the tournament made a successful return in 2024 and instantly reignited global interest.
🏆 Pakistan’s Journey in the Tournament So Far
Pakistan has been one of the most consistent sides in the short history of the Hong Kong Sixes.
They reached the finals in both previous editions (2017 and 2024) — but narrowly missed lifting the trophy.
- 🥈 2017 Final: Lost to South Africa after a thrilling contest.
- 🥈 2024 Final: Fell short against Sri Lanka in another tight finish.
The 2025 squad aims to break that streak and finally bring the trophy home.
📋 Pakistan’s Squad for Hong Kong Sixes 2025
- Abbas Afridi (captain)
- Abdul Samad
- Khawaja Mohammad Nafay
- Maaz Sadaqat
- Mohammad Shahzad
- Saad Masood
- Shahid Aziz
Non-traveling reserves: Danish Aziz, Mohammad Faiq
The team will depart for Hong Kong on 5 November, with both group matches to be played on 7 November 2025.
⚡ Cricketory Insight #1: Abbas Afridi’s Leadership Role
Abbas Afridi’s rise in Pakistan’s cricket setup has been remarkable. Known for his clever death-bowling and composure under pressure, he brings the ideal temperament for a format that rewards aggression and control equally.
As captain, Abbas must balance tactics with explosiveness — a challenge that could define Pakistan’s campaign.
🔥 Cricketory Insight #2: The Perfect Mix of Youth and Firepower
This Pakistan squad screams energy.
With players like Khawaja Nafay and Abdul Samad, the team packs explosive batting strength capable of clearing any boundary.
Maaz Sadaqat and Saad Masood bring adaptability, while Shahid Aziz offers all-round utility — crucial in a six-a-side format where every delivery counts.
💥 Cricketory Insight #3: The Sixes Format Favors Pakistan’s Natural Flair
The condensed six-over format naturally complements Pakistan’s instinctive, fearless style of play.
Players are encouraged to swing hard from ball one, and Pakistan’s young hitters have a natural gift for improvisation.
Expect Pakistan to deploy:
- Explosive opening partnerships from Samad & Nafay.
- Mid-over strike rotation led by Shahzad.
- Bowling variations from Abbas Afridi in death overs.
🧠 Cricketory Analysis: Pakistan’s Strategy in Group C
Pakistan finds itself in a high-profile Group C, sharing space with arch-rival India and rising team Kuwait.
🇮🇳 Clash with India
Whenever Pakistan and India share the field — no matter the format — intensity skyrockets.
In a six-a-side environment, one over of brilliance or one misfield can decide the match. Pakistan will look to attack early, banking on raw pace and boundary hitting.
🇰🇼 Match against Kuwait
Kuwait has made steady progress in Associate-level cricket. Pakistan’s main focus will be discipline in bowling to prevent surprises and ensure net-run-rate dominance.
🌏 Hong Kong Sixes 2025 – Teams & Groups
Pool A: South Africa, Afghanistan, Nepal
Pool B: Australia, England, UAE
Pool C: India, Pakistan, Kuwait
Pool D: Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Hong Kong China
This structure ensures top-tier clashes throughout the weekend — and fans will get a taste of both traditional powerhouses and emerging nations.
🕒 Tournament Schedule Snapshot
- 📅 7 November 2025: Group Matches
- 📅 8 November 2025: Super Six Stage
- 📅 9 November 2025: Semi-finals & Final
Every match is expected to be broadcast live and streamed online, continuing the Sixes’ reputation as cricket’s most fast-paced spectacle.
🧩 Why the Hong Kong Sixes Matter for Pakistan Cricket
🏏 A Testing Ground for Future Stars
The Sixes format gives young Pakistani players a global spotlight to show their power-hitting and bowling control.
💪 Tactical Maturity Under Pressure
Each ball matters; there’s no time to recover from errors. This sharpens players’ mental toughness, a skill they can later carry into T20 cricket.
🌟 Brand Revival of Pakistan Cricket
Performing well here enhances Pakistan’s image as a team that plays modern, aggressive, audience-friendly cricket — crucial for maintaining global fan engagement.
🎯 Cricketory Insight #4: Key Players to Watch
| Player | Role | Cricketory Prediction |
|---|---|---|
| Abbas Afridi | Captain & Death Bowler | Will lead from the front; likely top wicket-taker |
| Abdul Samad | Power Hitter | Strike rate above 200 expected |
| Khawaja Nafay | Finisher | Could be Pakistan’s secret weapon |
| Mohammad Shahzad | All-rounder | Brings experience to steady innings |
| Maaz Sadaqat | Spinner | Could control middle overs with smart variations |
📊 Cricketory Insight #5: What Pakistan Must Do to Win
- Exploit Powerplays Aggressively – Target at least 70 runs in first 2 overs.
- Use Afridi Smartly – One over at start, one at death.
- Sharp Fielding – In a six-a-side format, one save = one wicket.
- Rotate Batting Order – Flexibility keeps bowlers guessing.
- Stay Calm vs India – Emotion control could be Pakistan’s winning edge.
🔥 Cricketory Prediction: Pakistan’s Road to the Trophy
Given their explosive lineup and hunger after back-to-back runner-up finishes, Pakistan are strong favorites to lift the 2025 Hong Kong Sixes title.
Their biggest obstacle? India’s batting firepower and Sri Lanka’s experience.
If Pakistan maintain composure in crunch moments, Cricketory predicts a Pakistan vs Sri Lanka final, with Pakistan clinching the title this time.
🧭 Cricketory Insight #6: Broader Impact of the Sixes Format
The Hong Kong Sixes is more than just fun cricket — it’s an innovation hub.
It offers ideas that may shape the future of franchise T10 leagues.
The format encourages:
- Shorter match times for global audiences
- Experimentation with rules
- Development of adaptable all-rounders
Pakistan’s participation ensures the nation remains central to these global cricket innovations.
💬 Cricketory Final Verdict
“Pakistan’s Sixes 2025 squad isn’t just about talent — it’s a statement of intent.
Abbas Afridi’s young brigade represents a fearless brand of cricket that resonates with modern fans. Expect fireworks, heart, and redemption in Hong Kong.”
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
🏏 Q1: When will Pakistan play its first match in the Hong Kong Sixes 2025?
A: Pakistan plays both group matches on 7 November 2025 against India and Kuwait.
📅 Q2: Where is the tournament being held?
At the Tin Kwong Road Recreation Ground in Hong Kong.
👕 Q3: Who is captaining Pakistan in this edition?
A: Abbas Afridi will lead the team for the first time in the Sixes.
⚡ Q4: Which teams are in Pakistan’s group?
A: Pakistan is in Group C, alongside India and Kuwait.
🧠 Q5: How many teams are competing in Hong Kong Sixes 2025?
A: A total of 12 teams divided into four groups of three each.
🌟 Q6: What is unique about the Hong Kong Sixes format?
A: It’s a six-a-side cricket event where matches last only five overs per side — nonstop action, big hits, and instant drama.
💪 Q7: Has Pakistan ever won the Hong Kong Sixes?
A: Not yet. Pakistan finished runners-up twice — 2017 and 2024 — but aims to go one better in 2025.
🔥 Q8: Which players could make a difference this time?
A: Abdul Samad, Khawaja Nafay, and Abbas Afridi are tipped by Cricketory to be Pakistan’s match-winners.
🌍 Q9: When does the team depart for Hong Kong?
A: The squad leaves 5 November 2025 to acclimatize ahead of the opening day.
🏆 Q10: What is Cricketory’s final prediction?
A: Pakistan will reach the final and has a strong chance to win the Hong Kong Sixes 2025 for the first time.