Abbas Afridi Named Captain as Pakistan Announce Squad for Hong Kong Super Sixes 2026
Defending champions Pakistan have handed Abbas Afridi the captaincy for the Hong Kong Super Sixes 2026. The Pakistan Cricket Board announced the seven-member squad on Friday, October 9 — and the 25-year-old pace-bowling all-rounder, who torched last year’s final with a 52 off 11 balls, will now lead the title defence in Hong Kong from…
Defending champions Pakistan have handed Abbas Afridi the captaincy for the Hong Kong Super Sixes 2026. The Pakistan Cricket Board announced the seven-member squad on Friday, October 9 — and the 25-year-old pace-bowling all-rounder, who torched last year’s final with a 52 off 11 balls, will now lead the title defence in Hong Kong from October 30 to November 1.
Pakistan’s Squad for the Title Defence
The PCB kept faith with the core of the side that lifted the trophy last year, making only two changes to the squad. The team departs for Hong Kong on October 28.
| Role | Detail |
|---|---|
| Captain | Mohammad Abbas Afridi |
| Squad | Abdul Samad, Ahmed Daniyal, Muhammad Irfan Khan, Khawaja Nafay, Muhammad Shahzad, Saad Masood |
| Team manager | Raza Kitchlew |
| Changes from 2025 | Irfan Khan Niazi and Saad Masood replace Maaz Sadaqat and Shahid Aziz |
Why Afridi? Last Year’s Final Explains Everything
Afridi didn’t just play the 2025 Hong Kong Sixes — he owned it. In the final against Kuwait, the then-skipper hammered 52 runs off just 11 balls, collected both the Player of the Final and Player of the Tournament awards, and finished the event with 138 runs at a staggering strike rate of 460 across five matches. Pakistan’s 43-run win over Kuwait sealed a record sixth Hong Kong Sixes crown, making the Green Shirts the most successful side in the tournament’s history.
It’s been a rapid rise for the Peshawar-born right-arm medium-fast bowler — the nephew of former Pakistan spearhead Umar Gul — who made his T20I debut against New Zealand in January 2024. Six-a-side cricket, with its six-over innings and premium on explosive all-rounders, looks tailor-made for him.
Hong Kong Super Sixes 2026 — Tournament Facts
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Edition | 22nd Hong Kong Sixes |
| Dates | October 30 – November 1, 2026 |
| Venue | Tin Kwong Road Recreation Ground, Hong Kong |
| Teams | 12 teams in four pools of three |
| Pakistan’s pool | Pool C — with India and the UAE |
| Format | Six-a-side, six-over innings |
| Pakistan’s departure | October 28 |
| Cup final | November 1, 12:10 PM (PKT) |
India Clash on Day One — Pakistan’s Fixtures
There is no easing in. Holders Pakistan open their campaign against the UAE at 7:35 AM PKT on Friday, October 30, and then — barely four hours later — face arch-rivals India at 11:15 AM PKT in one of the tournament’s marquee clashes.
The format is unforgiving: group winners advance to the Cup semi-finals on October 31, runners-up drop into the Plate semi-finals, and third-placed sides contest the Bowl semi-finals. The finals for all three competitions are played on Sunday, November 1.
FAQs
When is the Hong Kong Super Sixes 2026?
The 22nd edition runs from October 30 to November 1, 2026, at the Tin Kwong Road Recreation Ground in Hong Kong. Twelve teams compete over three days.
Who is Pakistan’s captain for the Hong Kong Super Sixes 2026?
Abbas Afridi (Mohammad Abbas Afridi). He was named captain when the PCB announced the squad on October 9, 2026, after starring in Pakistan’s 2025 title win with 52 off 11 balls in the final.
Who is in Pakistan’s squad?
Mohammad Abbas Afridi (captain), Abdul Samad, Ahmed Daniyal, Muhammad Irfan Khan, Khawaja Nafay, Muhammad Shahzad and Saad Masood. Raza Kitchlew is the team manager.
When does Pakistan play India at the Hong Kong Super Sixes?
On the opening day, Friday, October 30, at 11:15 AM Pakistan time. Pakistan first face the UAE at 7:35 AM on the same day.
What is the Hong Kong Sixes format?
It is six-a-side cricket with each team playing a six-over innings. Twelve teams are split into four pools of three; group winners reach the Cup semi-finals, runners-up the Plate semis, and third-placed teams the Bowl semis.
Did Pakistan win the Hong Kong Sixes last year?
Yes. Pakistan beat Kuwait by 43 runs in the 2025 final to win the title for a record sixth time, making them the most successful team in the tournament’s history.
