Pakistan have announced their squad for the Asian Games 2026, with Sahibzada Farhan set to captain the men’s cricket team in Japan later this year.
Sahibzada Farhan (captain), Abdul Samad (vice-captain), Abrar Ahmed, Ahmed Daniyal, Akif Javed, Ali Raza, Arafat Minhas, Haider Ali, Hasan Nawaz, Maaz Sadaqat, Mohammad Salman Mirza, Saad Masood, Saim Ayub, Sufyan Moqim and Usman Khan (wicket-keeper).
The multi-sport event will take place in Aichi-Nagoya from 19 September to 4 October. Meanwhile the men’s T20 cricket competition will begin on 24 September. The medal matches are scheduled for 3 October at Korogi Athletic Park in Aichi Prefecture.
Farhan, 30 will take charge of the national side after establishing himself as a consistent performer in the shortest format. The right-handed batter has represented Pakistan in 46 T20 Internationals and accumulated 1305 runs. His record includes two centuries and ten fifties.
Abdul Samad who is appointed as vice-captain will Joining Farhan in the leadership group. Samad has already featured in five T20Is for Pakistan and will provide support to Farhan throughout the tournament.
The selection committee has also included several emerging players in the 15-member squad. Fast bowler Akif Javed, youngster Ali Raza, batting all-rounder Maaz Sadaqat and Saad Masood are yet to make their T20I debuts. The Asian Games could provide all four players with an opportunity to earn their first international caps.
In addition, the majority of the selected players are already part of the National Cricket Academy’s white-ball training camp. Fourteen members of the squad will attend the camp in Lahore, which begins on 15 June. The preparation program aims to fine-tune the players ahead of the continental competition.
Pakistan will travel to Japan with a balanced squad for Asian games 2026 featuring experienced campaigners and promising young talent. The team management will hope the blend of youth and experience helps the side challenge strongly for a medal at the Games.