Sahibzada Farhan and Jasprit Bumrah (Source: AFP and AP)
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has announced a fresh squad for the Asian Games 2026, with Sahibzada Farhan appointed as captain and Abdul Samad named vice-captain.
Unlike Pakistan’s regular T20I side, several senior stars have been rested, giving opportunities to young and emerging players.
"Fourteen of the 15 players selected for the Asian Games squad are part of the NCA White Ball Camp, which is set to commence in Lahore from Monday, 15 June," the PCB said in a statement released on Wednesday.
Having said this, in this article, let’s take a look at three players who can trouble India in the upcoming Asian Games 2026.
Pakistan Players Who Can Threaten India In Asian Games 2026
Sahibzada Farhan
- It is important to note that the first player who can be a serious concern for India will likely be Sahibzada Farhan. The opening batter was the highest run-scorer in the T20 World Cup 2026 and played a crucial role in helping Pakistan reach the Super 8 stage.
- He has built a strong reputation for performing against India. In four T20I matches against the 'Men in Blue,' he has scored 155 runs at an average of 38.75 and a strike rate of 118.32.
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- The star player had a remarkable performance against India in the Asia Cup 2025. He scored 40 runs off 44 balls in the first group-stage encounter, followed it up with 58 runs in the second meeting, and then smashed 57 runs from just 37 balls in the final.
- Farhan’s overall numbers in T20Is in 2026 are outstanding. He has scored 448 runs in 11 T20Is at an average of 49.78 and a strike rate of 155.56. If he continues this form, he could become Pakistan’s biggest weapon against India at the Asian Games.
| Statistic | Value |
| Matches Played | 11 |
| Runs | 448 |
| Average | 49.78 |
| SR | 155.56 |
(Sahibzada Farhan T20I stats in 2026)
Sufiyan Muqeem
- Pakistan's bowling attack will heavily rely on left-arm wrist spinner Sufiyan Muqeem. The 24-year-old has enjoyed a breakthrough year and is one of Pakistan's most exciting spin prospects.
- It is vital to note that his biggest strength is his rarity, which makes it difficult for batters to read his variations.
- His ability to spin the ball sharply and bowl deceptive googlies creates constant challenges for opposition batters. Players such as Tilak Varma and Shreyas Iyer may have to be particularly careful against Muqeem, especially during the middle overs when spinners often dictate the flow of the game.
- His recent PSL 2026 campaign was highly impressive. The Young bowler picked up 22 wickets in just 11 innings while maintaining an economy rate of 7.20.
Arafat Minhas
- At just 21 years of age, Arafat Minhas has quickly become one of Pakistan’s brightest young all-rounders.
- What makes Minhas especially dangerous is his versatility. As a left-handed batter, he can stabilise an innings or accelerate scoring when required. With the ball, his left-arm spin provides variety and control.
- His recent performances have been exceptional. During Pakistan’s ODI series against Australia in 2026, Minhas picked up 7 wickets in three innings at an outstanding economy rate of 3.31. His best performance came in the first ODI, where he claimed remarkable figures of 5 for 32.
- In the PSL 2026 season, he took 9 wickets in 9 innings while maintaining an economy rate of 8.65.
Pakistan Squad for Asian Games 2026- Sahibzada Farhan (C), Abdul Samad (vc), Abrar Ahmed, Ahmed Daniyal, Akif Javed, Ali Raza, Arafat Minhas, Haider Ali, Hasan Nawaz, Maaz Sadaqat, Salman Mirza, Saad Masood, Saim Ayub, Usman Khan (wk), Sufiyan Muqeem.
Also Read: Babar Azam Overlooked; All Big Names Out Of Pakistan Squad For Asian Games 2026
