Pakistan has announced its squad for the men’s T20 cricket tournament at the Asian Games 2026, appointing Sahibzada Farhan as captain and Abdul Samad as vice-captain for the multi-nation competition in Japan.
The squad was unveiled by the Pakistan Cricket Board, selecting a 15-member side that blends experienced international players with emerging domestic talent.
The men’s T20 cricket event at the Asian Games 2026 will be held at Kurogi Athletic Park in Aichi Prefecture, Japan. The cricket tournament will begin on September 24, while the Asian Games will run from September 19 to October 4, 2026. Medal matches are scheduled for October 3.
Pakistan squad (alphabetical order)
Sahibzada Farhan (captain), Abdul Samad (vice-captain), Abrar Ahmed, Ahmed Daniyal, Akif Javed, Ali Raza, Arafat Minhas, Haider Ali, Hassan Nawaz, Maaz Sadaqat, Mohammad Salman Mirza, Saad Masood, Saim Ayub, Sufyan Muqeem, and Usman Khan (wicket-keeper).
Several players, including Akif Javed, Ali Raza, Maaz Sadaqat, and Saad Masood, are yet to make their T20 International debuts and could earn their first international caps during the tournament.
Leadership and experience
Sahibzada Farhan brings substantial experience to the captaincy, having represented Pakistan in 46 T20 Internationals, scoring 1,305 runs, including two centuries and 10 half-centuries. Abdul Samad, who has featured in five T20 Internationals, has been named deputy for the event.
Cricket officials said the selection reflects a strategic balance between proven performers and promising young players, aimed at building depth ahead of future international assignments.
Training camp in Lahore
As part of preparations, 14 players from the squad will attend a training camp at the National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Lahore, starting June 15. The camp will focus on fitness, skill development, and match readiness ahead of the Asian Games.
Support staff confirmed
The PCB has also announced the support staff for the tournament:
- 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
Pakistan will be aiming for a strong showing in the Asian Games cricket competition as it continues to invest in talent development and international exposure for emerging players.
