The Rawalakot Hawks have named Pakistani cricketer Ahmed Shehzad to captain the second edition of the Kashmir Premier League (KPL).

Rawalakot Hawks chairman Jan Wali Shaheen announced the appointment of Ahmed Shehzad as captain for the upcoming Kashmir Premier League season to Hawks fans in Rawalakot.

In an announcement from the Hawks' media department, veteran cricketer Shahzad will captain the defending champions as they all take on newly introduced Jammu Janbaz in the opening game of KPL 2 on August 13.

Announcing the new Rawalakot Hawks captain, Jan Wali Shaheen said: "Not only did Ahmed Shehzad play an important role in our success last season, but our young cricketers had the opportunity to learn a lot from him."

On that occasion, Ahmed Shehzad said: “The Rawalakot Hawks team is very close to my heart. Winning the title last season is one of the most memorable moments of my career.”

“Winning the title last season is one of the most memorable moments of my career. In Sha Allah I will do my best to defend the Kashmir Premier League title.”

"My goal was to share my experience with the youth of the team and especially the Kashmiri cricketers and give them maximum opportunities," he said.

The defending champion was in full swing on Thursday in his hometown of Rawalakot.

Team Chairman Jan Wali Shaheen, Captain Ahmed Shahzad, Mentor Yasir Hameed, Asif Afridi and Sameen Gul toured the whole city along with the KPL Trophy. They were warmly welcomed by residents and fans.

Rawalkot Hawks residents and fans gave the team a great welcome. In the memorable trophy tour, the Kashmir Premier League trophy went to the stunning and beautiful Lake Banjusa, to various locations around the city and to the press club where the team received a warm welcome.