The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) on Tuesday announced a 15-member squad for the Asian Games 2026. Experienced opener Sahibzada Farhan will lead the side, while Abdul Samad will serve as vice-captain.
The cricket competition will take place in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan. It forms part of the Asian Games scheduled from September 19 to October 4. Meanwhile, the cricket event will begin on September 24. The medal matches will take place on October 3.
Pakistan will compete against nine other teams for the gold medal. Therefore, selectors have combined experienced players with emerging talent.
Farhan enters the tournament as one of the squad’s most experienced T20 players. The 30-year-old has played 46 T20 Internationals for Pakistan. During that time, he scored 1,305 runs, including two centuries and 10 half-centuries.
In addition, the squad includes several players who featured prominently in domestic and franchise cricket over the past year.
Saim Ayub, Usman Khan, Abrar Ahmed and Salman Mirza all retained their places. Meanwhile, Haider Ali and Ahmed Daniyal earned recalls after strong performances in domestic competitions.
Four New Faces Earn Major Opportunity
The squad also includes four players who are yet to make their T20 International debut.
Fast bowler Akif Javed secured a place after consistent performances in domestic cricket. Likewise, teenage pacer Ali Raza received a call-up after impressing selectors with his pace and potential.
All-rounder Maaz Sadaqat and batter Saad Masood also earned selection. As a result, the Asian Games could become an important stepping stone in their international careers.
Pakistan’s management continues to expand its talent pool ahead of future ICC events. Therefore, selectors have increasingly rewarded young performers with opportunities in major tournaments.
Furthermore, 14 of the 15 selected players will attend the National Cricket Academy White-Ball Camp. The camp will begin in Lahore on June 15.
Officials believe the programme will help players prepare for international assignments later this year.
Hesson to Head Coaching Staff
Mike Hesson will lead the support staff as head coach. Meanwhile, former Australian fast bowler Ashley Noffke will work as bowling coach.
Shane McDermott will oversee fielding preparations. In addition, Muhammad Tahir will serve as physiotherapist, while Imran Ullah will work as trainer.
Usman Hashmi will perform dual responsibilities as analyst and team operations coordinator.
Cricket has become one of the most closely watched events at the Asian Games. India won the men’s gold medal at the Hangzhou Games in 2023. Afghanistan claimed silver, while Bangladesh secured bronze.
This time, Pakistan will aim to challenge the region’s strongest teams. More importantly, the squad offers several young players a chance to establish themselves on the international stage.
Squad
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 (wicketkeeper).
Support Staff
Mike Hesson (head coach), Ashley Noffke (bowling coach), Shane McDermott (fielding coach), Muhammad Tahir (physiotherapist), Imran Ullah (trainer), Usman Hashmi (analyst-cum-team operations coordinator).
