Pakistan name youthful squad with several emerging talents for Japan tournament.
Lahore
Pakistan have announced a youthful 15-member squad for the Asian Games 2026 in Japan, with experienced batter Sahibzada Farhan appointed captain for the multi-sport event scheduled later this year.
The men’s cricket competition at the Asian Games will begin on September 24 in Aichi-Nagoya, with the medal matches set to be played on October 3. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has opted for a fresh-look squad, resting several senior international players while providing opportunities to promising youngsters.
Farhan, who has represented Pakistan in 46 T20 Internationals, will lead the national side for the first time in a major tournament. Abdul Samad has been named vice-captain and is expected to provide stability and experience in the middle order.
The squad selection underlines Pakistan’s focus on strengthening its white-ball bench strength and preparing a pool of players for future international assignments. Four uncapped cricketers — Akif Javed, Ali Raza, Maaz Sadaqat and Saad Masood — have earned places in the squad and could make their international debuts during the tournament.
Young talents such as Saim Ayub and Arafat Minhas have also been included after impressive performances in domestic and franchise cricket. Their selection reflects the PCB’s intention to reward consistent performers and expose them to high-level competition.
Notably absent from the squad are several of Pakistan’s established stars, including white-ball captain Salman Ali Agha, former skipper Babar Azam, pace spearhead Shaheen Afridi and all-rounder Shadab Khan. The decision indicates a strategic move to test emerging players while managing the workload of senior cricketers.
Usman Khan has been named the squad’s primary wicketkeeper, while spinner Abrar Ahmed is expected to lead the spin department. The pace attack will feature promising bowlers Ahmed Daniyal and Mohammad Salman Mirza alongside other young fast-bowling options.
Pakistan finished fourth in the previous edition of the Asian Games after winning one match and losing two. With a balanced mix of youth and experience, the team will be aiming for a stronger showing in Japan and will look to challenge for a medal while giving its next generation of cricketers valuable international exposure.
Pakistan squad: Sahibzada Farhan (captain), Usman Khan (wicketkeeper), Abrar Ahmed, Ahmed Daniyal, Abdul Samad (vice-captain), Akif Javed, Ali Raza, Arafat Minhas, Haider Ali, Hasan Nawaz, Maaz Sadaqat, Mohammad Salman Mirza, Saad Masood, Saim Ayub and Sufyan Moqim.