Emerging Teams Asia Cup 2024: Three Pakistan A players to watch out for ft. Mohammad Haris

Ahead of the upcoming Emerging Teams Asia Cup 2024, Pakistan A have announced a strong squad to take part in the tournament in Oman, which is scheduled to start on Friday, October 18.

Led by wicketkeeper-batter Mohammad Haris, the Pakistan Shaheens have named a relatively young squad comprising players who took part in the Champions Cup 2024-25 and the domestic competitions.

The team contains several full internationals as well as prospective talents, which makes the Pakistan Shaheens a dark horse in the tournament. Let's have a look at three Pakistan players to watch out for in the upcoming Emerging Teams Asia Cup 2024.

3. Mohammad Haris

Mohammad Haris, who has been selected as the Pakistan Shaheens skipper this year, has been one of the most exciting prospects to come out of Pakistani cricket in recent times.

The 23-year-old wicket-keeper batter made his full international debut in the ODI match against West Indies in June 2022, and has since played six ODI and nine T20I matches for Pakistan.

However, the player has seen a patch of lukewarm form over the last year, culminating in disappointing outings in both the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) and the Pakistan Super League (PSL). His poor form saw him getting dropped from the national team, although captain Babar Azam admitted that Haris was yet to be given his fair crack at the top level.

Now handed the reigns of Pakistan A as its captain, Haris has a unique opportunity to grab the spotlight and make his way back into the full team with a series of strong performances.

2. Qasim Ali

One of the most exciting young talents in the Pakistan A squad, 21-year-old batting all-rounder Qasim Ali will be handed a chance to impress the Pakistani selectors when he takes the field at Oman.

Akram is yet to make a big mark on the big stage, with only three T20I appearances to his name in October 2023. Even though he has failed to make a dent with his batting, he clinched three wickets in his maiden three matches, showcasing his potential as an all-rounder.

The Emerging Teams Asia Cup 2024 is a perfect place for the youngster to hone his skills and make a name for himself against international stars.

1. Haider Ali

One of the most decorated players in the Pakistan A squad as well as the Emerging Teams Asia Cup 2024, former international Haider Ali will look to start his redemption arc when he takes the field at the upcoming tournament.

The 24-year-old batter was once considered the 'Rohit Sharma' of Pakistan, with impressive performances in the 2018-19 National T20 Cup earning him a List A debut for the Shaheens.

He made his T20I debut in 2020, becoming the first Pakistani player to score a half-century on his shortest format debut. Ali then made his ODI debut in November of that year, establishing himself as a bonafide prodigy.

However, ever since a bio-bubble breach during the PSL 2021 season, Ali has seen a drop in form, and has found himself out of the international arena since 2022.

However, as an experienced presence in the Pakistan Shaheens squad, Ali has a chance to resurrect his fledgling career at the upcoming Emerging Teams Asia Cup 2024 next week.