PAKISTAN NAME STRONG SQUAD FOR HISTORIC CENTRAL SOUTH ASIAN RUGBY 7s IN TASHKENT
Lahore,
Pakistan Rugby Union has announced its national squad for the first-ever Central South Asian 7s Rugby Championship, set to be held in Tashkent on May 16-17, 2026.
Sanctioned by World Rugby, the landmark tournament will be contested under the newly-formed CASA Rugby Alliance and features six nations: Pakistan, India, Uzbekistan, Sri Lanka, Mongolia, and Kyrgyzstan.
A New Era for Regional Rugby
The CASA Rugby Alliance is a joint initiative led by the rugby unions of Pakistan and India to grow the sport across South and Central Asia. The 11-nation alliance also includes Bangladesh, Nepal, Kazakhstan, Afghanistan, and Iran. This month’s event in Uzbekistan marks its first official Rugby Sevens championship.
“This is a historic step for rugby in our region,” said Salman Muzaffar Shaikh, Secretary, Pakistan Rugby Union. “For the first time, our teams have a dedicated platform to compete regularly at a high level.”
Team Pakistan: Squad & Schedule
The squad will depart from Lahore on May 15 and play five pool matches, facing every team once.
Head Coach: Kashif Khawaja – recently appointed to lead the national side
Captain: Muhammad Mudassir
Vice-Captain: Umair Khan
Full Squad:
Aamir Shahzad, Anjum Sajjad, Mohsin Raza, Muhammad Aqib Siddiqui, Abbas Bangash, Muhammad Haroon, Faiq Shahzad, Muhammad Afzal, Touqeer Ali, Muhammad Irfan
Coach Kashif Khawaja said the team has undergone intensive preparation camps in Lahore: “The boys are fit, sharp, and hungry. Playing India, Sri Lanka and the hosts Uzbekistan will be tough, but we’re going to Tashkent to compete.”
Eyes on the Trophy
Shaikh expressed strong confidence in the selection: “We’ve picked a balanced squad with speed, power, and experience. Our players know they’re representing Pakistan at a historic event. We expect an impressive performance.”
He also hailed the collaboration between Asian rugby nations: “The CASA Alliance will create more playing opportunities and development pathways for all 11 members. This championship is just the beginning.”
The tournament kicks off Saturday, May 16 in Tashkent, with the final scheduled for Sunday, May 17.
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