The Pakistan Cricket Board has announced a 15-member squad for the Asian Games 2026. Experienced batter Sahibzada Farhan will lead the national side during the tournament.
The cricket event will take place in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan, from September 17 to October 3. Meanwhile, the men’s T20 competition will begin on September 24.
Officials confirmed that medal matches are scheduled for October 3. The games will be held at Korogi Athletic Park in Aichi Prefecture.
Sahibzada Farhan to Lead Pakistan
Sahibzada Farhan has been appointed captain of the squad. He brings considerable experience after representing Pakistan in 46 T20 Internationals.
Farhan has scored 1,305 runs in the format during his international career. Additionally, he has registered two centuries and ten half-centuries.
Meanwhile, Abdul Samad will serve as vice-captain for the tournament. He has previously played five T20 Internationals for Pakistan.
The squad combines experienced campaigners with several promising young players. Therefore, selectors hope the blend will strengthen Pakistan’s medal prospects.
Emerging Players Earn Opportunity
The squad includes fast bowler Akif Javed and batter Maaz Sadaqat. Pacer Ali Raza and Saad Masood have also earned selection.
Notably, all four players are yet to make their Pakistan T20I debuts. However, selectors view them as exciting prospects for the future.
Fourteen members of the squad will also participate in the National Cricket Academy’s White-Ball Camp. The training camp is scheduled to begin in Lahore on June 15.
The 10-team competition will feature automatic qualifiers India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Afghanistan, and Japan. Furthermore, Nepal, Malaysia, Hong Kong, and Oman secured qualification through the qualifying process.
