The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has unveiled the 15-member squad for the men’s Asian Games 2026 scheduled between September 24 and October 03 in Japan this year.

Pakistani batsman Sahibzada Farhan has been officially named as the captain of the fresh-looking squad, featuring a mix of experienced stars and emerging youngsters.

After concluding fourth in the previous Asian Games edition in 2022, Pakistan will be keen to enhance its performance and keep its hopes alive of winning a gold medal.

There aren’t many star cricketers in the Asian Games setup when compared to Pakistan’s T20 World Cup 2026 squad. Notable exclusions include the regular captain, Salman Ali Agha, along with veteran stars like Shaheen Afridi, Babar Azam, and Shadab Khan.

Let’s take a look at the squad to understand how the forthcoming tournament serves as the best opportunity for the experienced candidates and newcomers to secure their spot as regular players in Pakistan’s T20 squad.

Notable Inclusions in Pakistan’s Squad For Asian Games 2026

PCB selection committee has focused on building depth in the batting and bowling line-up, where young talents get exposure in international matches under the guidance of established stars. 

Captain’s Appointment: Biggest Announcement

Sahibzada Farhan enters a new role by leading the national team for the first time in a grand tournament like the Asian Games. The 30-year-old, having played 45 T20I matches in his career, amassed 1,305 runs, which includes 2 centuries and 10 half-centuries at an average of 30.35. 

Samad To Serve As Farhan’s Deputy

Pakistani middle-order batsman Abdul Samad, as vice-captain, adds immense experience to the young squad.

The right-handed batsman, who earlier featured in Pakistan’s ODI squad, can integrate his leadership skills alongside Sahibzada Farhan. 

In 5 T20Is, the 28-year-old scored 66 runs, averaging 16.5 and a strike rate of 113.80, including his highest score of 44 in an inning.

Batting Specialist Makes the Squad Formidable

Along with Sahibzada Farhan and Abdul Samad, the other two names in the list of specialist batters include Haider Ali and Hasan Nawaz. This makes the batting line-up formidable to create an impact in Japan.

Four Young Players Set to Make Their T20I Debut

PCB selectors have included four players who are yet to make their debut in T20 Internationals (T20Is). Here are those newbies who are likely to set a benchmark in the 20-over format during the Asian Games 2026:

• Akif Javed: Left-Arm Pacer
  
  
• Ali Raza: Right-Arm Pacer
  
  
• Maaz Sadaqat: Spin Bowling All-Rounder (Left-Handed Batsman and Left-Arm Spinner)
  
  
• Saad Masood: Spin Bowling All-Rounder (Right-Handed Batsman and Right-Arm Spinner)

Although inexperienced in the shortest format, the selectors’ decision to back these youngsters reflects their aim to test their skills on a grand stage.

Exciting Performers in Franchise Cricket

Saim Ayub and Arafat Minhas are the two impressive performers in the franchise T20 cricket for the past few editions.

Ayub represented three different teams in the Pakistan Super League (PSL) and Bangladesh Premier League (BPL), respectively. He played the solo edition of the Caribbean Premier League (CPL) in 2023 for Guyana Amazon Warriors.

Here are the brief stats of Saim Ayub’s franchise cricket career as a spin bowling all-rounder:

Minhas, on the other hand, has dedicated his franchise cricket career solely to PSL, having represented Karachi Kings (in 2023 and 2025) and Multan Sultans (in 2026).

Primary Wicketkeeper

Usman Khan is the only wicketkeeper in Pakistan’s 15-member squad who has amassed 474 runs in 32 innings of his T20I career.

Spin Bowling Department

Leg-spinner specialist Abrar Ahmed will spearhead Pakistan’s spin bowling attack, featuring Sufyan Moqim alongside the young all-rounders Maaz Sadaqat, Saad Masood, and Saim Ayub. Also, Arafat Minhas can serve as a backup spinner for Ahmed.

Pace Bowling Department

Pacers like Ahmed Daniyal and Mohammad Salman Mirza can bolster the fast bowling attack with their raw pace and bounce. While newbies like Akif Javed and Ali Raza have higher chances to mark a debut and secure a place in the squad as specialist fast bowlers.

Pakistan Men’s Cricket Team 15-Member Squad For Asian Games 2026