Sahibzada Farhan is named Pakistan's captain. Image Credits- AFP
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) on Wednesday announced a 15-member squad for the Asian Games 2026, scheduled to be held in Japan. Sahibzada Farhan has been named the captain for the Men in Green.
The Aichi Prefecture and Nagoya, Japan is set to host the Asian Games 2026 from September 19 to October 4. However, the men's cricket tournament will get underway from September 24, with the medal matches scheduled for October 3.
Pakistan are one of the top-tier cricketing nations participating in the tournament, along with India, Afghanistan, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka.
Sahibzada Farhan to captain as big names miss Asian Games squad
For the Asian Games 2026, the PCB have decided to rest the poster boys such as Babar Azam, Shaheen Afridi, Shadab Khan and Naseem Shah.
Sahibzada Farhan, who broke multiple records in the 2026 T20 World Cup, will lead Pakistan in the 10-team tournament. Meanwhile, the prolific finisher Abdul Samad will be Farhan's deputy.
After recovering from a long-standing right ankle fracture, Saim Ayub will return in Pakistan colours in Japan.
Arafat Minhas has also been included in the Asian Games squad after winning the Player of the Series award in his debut series against Australia at home.
Read More: Hardik Pandya Ruled Out Of ODI Series Vs Afghanistan
The PCB selectors have decided to trust younger blood for the tournament, as lesser-known commodities have made the cut. Among the popular names are Abrar Ahmed, Usman Khan, and Sufiyan Muqeem.
Pakistan still have a batting-heavy unit, with Farhan, Ayub, Maaz Sadaqat and Haider Ali in the ranks, but they will have to bank on young seamers to deliver in the alien conditions at Aichi-Nagoya.
Although fast bowler Salman Mirza was in the squad for the 2026 T20 World Cup, a lot will be on the young shoulders of Ali Raza and Akif Javed.
Do Sahibzada Farhan's boys stand a chance vs India?
Pakistan surely have named a talented team, but on paper, this 15-member squad has no solid experience of playing at the highest level. On the other hand, the BCCI has picked a strong Indian unit, with Shreyas Iyer at the helm and Jasprit Bumrah returning just for the Asian Games 2026.
Reportedly, the BCCI had picked a top-drawer side as they wanted some tough competition from Pakistan, but the current Men in Green side will stand no chance against the Shreyas Iyer-led unit, given their international experience and the IPL exploits.
Although the fixture for the Asian Games has yet to be announced, India and Pakistan will most likely meet in the semifinal or final of the marquee tournament.
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.
Read More: How Ayush Badoni Fits Better In India's 2027 World Cup Plans Than Washington Sundar?
