Sahibzada Farhan to lead young Pakistan side at Asian Games 2026

LAHORE: Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has announced a youthful 15-member squad for the men’s T20 cricket competition at the 2026 Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan, with opening batter Sahibzada Farhan appointed as captain.

The squad features a new-look lineup, with several established national stars including Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Haris Rauf and Shadab Khan left out of the squad. The selection reflects Pakistan’s focus on providing international exposure to emerging talent ahead of future assignments.

Farhan, who has been one of the most consistent performers in domestic cricket, will captain Pakistan in a major international tournament for the first time. Abdul Samad has been named vice-captain after making five T20 International appearances for Pakistan.

Among the notable names in the squad are Abrar Ahmed, Saim Ayub and Usman Khan, who bring valuable international experience to an otherwise inexperienced side. Meanwhile, Akif Javed, Ali Raza, Maaz Sadaqat and Saad Masood are in line to make their T20I debuts if selected in the playing XI during the tournament.

The men’s T20 competition at the Asian Games will take place from September 24 to October 3 at Korogi Athletic Park in Aichi Prefecture. The multi-sport event itself will run from September 19 to October 4 and is expected to feature ten competing nations.

The tournament carries added significance as it could play a role in determining qualification pathways for cricket’s return to the Olympic Games at Los Angeles 2028.

Fourteen members of the selected squad are also scheduled to participate in the National Cricket Academy’s white-ball camp, beginning in Lahore on June 15, as preparations intensify for the continental event.

Pakistan will head to Japan under the guidance of head coach Mike Hesson, supported by bowling coach Ashley Noffke, fielding coach Shane McDermott, physiotherapist Muhammad Tahir, trainer Imran Ullah and analyst Usman Hashmi.

Pakistan 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).