Abbas Afridi leads Pakistan squad for Hong Kong Sixes 2026, face India on Oct 30
Synopsis
Pakistan, the six-time Hong Kong Sixes champions, have named Mohammad Abbas Afridi — who blasted 52 off 11 balls in last year's title-clinching final — as their 2026 captain. Their first assignment is a marquee clash against India on 30 October, adding immediate high-voltage stakes to a tournament Pakistan have dominated like no other team.
Key Takeaways
Pakistan have announced their seven-member squad for the Hong Kong Sixes 2026 , led by Mohammad Abbas Afridi .
Pakistan are the six-time and reigning champions, having defeated Kuwait by 43 runs in the 2025 final.
The tournament runs from 30 October to 1 November at the Tin Kwong Road Recreation Ground, Hong Kong .
Pakistan face India on 30 October at 2:15 pm IST in the tournament's headline clash.
Bhuvneshwar Kumar may miss the tournament after being picked for India's T20I squad against New Zealand .
Defending champions Pakistan have named a seven-member squad for the Hong Kong Sixes 2026, with captain Mohammad Abbas Afridi leading the six-time champions into the tournament scheduled from 30 October to 1 November at the Tin Kwong Road Recreation Ground in Hong Kong. A blockbuster encounter against India on 30 October — starting at 2:15 pm IST — headlines what promises to be a high-octane edition of the fast-paced six-a-side competition.
Pakistan's Title-Winning Pedigree
Pakistan's sixth title in 2025 cemented their status as the most successful team in the tournament's history. In last year's final, they defeated Kuwait by 43 runs, with Afridi delivering a match-defining 52 off just 11 balls. Now appointed captain, he carries the weight of expectation as Pakistan aim to defend their crown and extend their unmatched record in the competition.
Pakistan's Full Squad
The squad features a blend of experienced campaigners and explosive finishers suited to the six-a-side format. Mohammad Abbas Afridi (captain), Abdul Samad, Ahmed Daniyal, Muhammad Irfan Khan, Khawaja Nafay, Muhammad Shahzad, and Saad Masood make up the seven-member group. The format's premium on explosive batting and rapid momentum shifts makes this a squad built for impact from ball one.
India's Squad and the Bhuvneshwar Question
India had previously announced their own seven-member squad featuring Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Krunal Pandya, Shashank Singh, Rahul Tewatia, Nitish Rana, Rahul Tripathi, and T. Natarajan. However, Bhuvneshwar Kumar's availability is in doubt after he was selected for India's T20I squad for the New Zealand series, potentially forcing a reshuffle ahead of the marquee Pakistan clash.
Organisers Welcome Back the Champions
Anuraag Bhatnagar, Director of Marketing and Commercial at Cricket Hong Kong, China, expressed enthusiasm at Pakistan's return. 'Pakistan's record sixth title in 2025 underlined their outstanding pedigree in the Hong Kong Sixes, and we are delighted to welcome the defending champions back for the 2026 edition. They bring a winning mentality, exciting talent and a style of cricket that perfectly complements the fast-paced nature of the format,' he said.
What to Watch
With the India vs Pakistan match scheduled for 30 October — the tournament's opening day — the stage is set for an immediate high-stakes showdown. The three-day event runs through 1 November, with Pakistan's dominance providing the backdrop against which every rival team must measure themselves. Whether a reshuffled India side can pose a serious challenge to the reigning champions will be among the key storylines to follow.
Point of View
Whose 52 off 11 balls effectively decided last year's final, signals that Pakistan intend to play with the same attacking abandon. The India fixture on the opening day is both a marketing gift for the organisers and a genuine test: India's squad, potentially missing Bhuvneshwar Kumar, could look thinner in the fast-twitch, six-a-side context. The larger question is whether the format — underexposed outside Hong Kong — can use this India-Pakistan flashpoint to grow its audience back home in both countries.
NationPress
9 Oct 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is captaining Pakistan in the Hong Kong Sixes 2026?
Mohammad Abbas Afridi has been named captain of Pakistan's squad for the Hong Kong Sixes 2026. He starred in the 2025 final, scoring a blistering 52 off just 11 balls as Pakistan defeated Kuwait to claim their sixth title.
When and where is the Hong Kong Sixes 2026 being held?
The Hong Kong Sixes 2026 is scheduled from 30 October to 1 November at the Tin Kwong Road Recreation Ground in Hong Kong. The India vs Pakistan match kicks off the tournament on 30 October at 2:15 pm IST.
What is Pakistan's record in the Hong Kong Sixes?
Pakistan are the most successful team in Hong Kong Sixes history with six titles, including the 2025 edition where they beat Kuwait by 43 runs in the final. No other team has won the tournament as many times.
Who is in Pakistan's squad for the Hong Kong Sixes 2026?
Pakistan's seven-member squad is: Mohammad Abbas Afridi (captain), Abdul Samad, Ahmed Daniyal, Muhammad Irfan Khan, Khawaja Nafay, Muhammad Shahzad, and Saad Masood.
Will Bhuvneshwar Kumar play in the Hong Kong Sixes 2026?
Bhuvneshwar Kumar's participation is uncertain after he was selected for India's T20I squad for the New Zealand series, which could conflict with the tournament dates. India's management may need to find a replacement ahead of the 30 October opener against Pakistan.
