Asian Games 2026: Sahibzada Farhan Set To Lead A New Look Pakistan Squad In Japan

Pakistan has unveiled a fresh-looking squad for the 2026 Asian Games, and there are some major surprises. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has handed the captaincy to Sahibzada Farhan while leaving out several of the country's biggest white-ball stars, including Babar Azam, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Salman Ali Agha and Shadab Khan.

The decision signals a new direction as Pakistan prepare for the men's cricket competition at the Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan. With a mix of experienced campaigners and exciting young talent, the squad offers a glimpse into the future of Pakistan cricket. Fans will also be eager to see whether some uncapped players can make their mark on the international stage during the tournament.

Sahibzada Farhan to Lead a New-Look Pakistan Side

Sahibzada Farhan has been appointed captain of the 15-member squad, with Abdul Samad serving as vice-captain. Farhan brings plenty of experience, having played 46 T20Is for Pakistan and scored 1,305 runs, including two centuries and 10 half-centuries.

Despite his impressive record, this will be Farhan's first time leading Pakistan in a white-ball tournament. Usman Khan has been selected as the primary wicketkeeper, while familiar names such as Saim Ayub, Abrar Ahmed, Arafat Minhas and Haider Ali also feature in the squad.

Four Uncapped Players Earn Big Opportunity

One of the biggest talking points is the inclusion of four players who are yet to make their T20I debut for Pakistan: Akif Javed, Ali Raza, Maaz Sadaqat and Saad Masood.

The PCB highlighted its focus on youth development in an official statement released by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) when they announced the Asian Games 2026 squad, saying: "Among the 15-member squad, Akif Javed, Ali Raza, Maaz Sadaqat and Saad Masood are the four players yet to represent Pakistan in the T20I format."

Interestingly, 14 of the 15 selected players are also part of the National Cricket Academy's white-ball camp in Lahore, showing the board's commitment to building a new generation of talent.

Asian Games 2026: Pakistan Chasing a Better Finish

The men's cricket event at the Asian Games 2026 will be played in the T20 format from September 24 to October 3. Ten teams, including India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and Afghanistan, will compete for the gold medal.

Pakistan finished fourth in the previous Asian Games edition and will be hoping this youthful squad can improve on that result. With Farhan leading a team packed with hungry young players, the tournament could mark the beginning of a new chapter for Pakistan cricket.

Pakistan Squad for Asian Games 2026: 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).

Pakistan has chosen youth over reputation, and the Asian Games 2026 will reveal whether that bold gamble pays off.