The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has officially announced a 15-member squad for the upcoming Asian Games 2026, with experienced opening batter Sahibzada Farhan appointed as captain. The tournament will take place in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan, from September 19 to October 4, with cricket matches beginning on September 24 and the medal contests scheduled for October 3.
Farhan’s appointment reflects the PCB’s confidence in his leadership abilities and consistent performances in the shorter format. The 30-year-old batter has represented Pakistan in 46 T20 Internationals, accumulating 1,305 runs, including two centuries and 10 half-centuries. His experience is expected to play a key role as Pakistan aims to compete for the Asian Games Gold Medal.
The PCB has also named Abdul Samad as vice-captain. The squad combines experienced performers with emerging talent, highlighting the board’s focus on building depth for the future. Notable players selected include Saim Ayub, Usman Khan, Abrar Ahmed, and Salman Mirza, all of whom have impressed in recent domestic and international competitions.
The team also features returning players Haider Ali and Ahmed Daniyal, who have earned another opportunity to represent Pakistan. Meanwhile, four players, Akif Javed, Ali Raza, Maaz Sadaqat, and Saad Masood, have received call-ups despite not yet making their T20 International debut. Their inclusion demonstrates the selectors’ commitment to developing young talent.
Interestingly, 14 of the 15 selected players are part of the upcoming National Cricket Academy White Ball Camp, which will begin in Lahore on June 15. The camp is expected to help players fine-tune their skills ahead of the prestigious multi-sport event.
With a balanced squad featuring both experience and youth, Pakistan will be aiming for a strong performance in Japan and hopes to challenge the region’s top cricketing nations for the coveted gold medal.
