Last Updated: June 10, 2026 12:46 PM
Pakistan announced its squad for the Asian Games in Japan. New captain is going to lead the team instead of Salman Ali Agha. Sahibzada Farhan was named captain. This is his first white-ball leadership role.
Played 46 T20Is but never captained before in the limited-overs format. This is new responsibility. Bringing a fresh perspective to the squad dynamics.
Abdul Samad, vice captain, has 5 T20I appearances total. The most recent ODI series against the Australian team. Both are relatively young leaders for the Pakistan squad. An experimental approach is shown clearly for a poor-performing team.
The Asian Games squad is 15 members basically. Youthful composition definitely here. Bringing new energy forward to the international cricket platform. A total of 4 uncapped players are included: Akif Javed, Ali Raza, Maaz Sadaqat, and Saad Masood.
These youngsters are getting chances to play international cricket. Building a squad for the future. Usman Khan as keeper. Ready for the competition ahead.
Senior Players Dropped for Youth
Babar Azam was left out of the squad basically. Regular captain Salman Ali Agha has also been excluded now. Shaheen Afridi and Shadab Khan dropped too. Major surprises for everyone. Established stars are sidelined, and youth are getting priority clearly.
Different from the World Cup squad earlier this year. Squad composition is very different. Making a statement about the selection policy and direction taken.
This approach is interesting in giving young players a chance. To gain experience playing international cricket at the top level in a major tournament like the Asian Games. Old players resting perhaps or making way for the youth movement in cricket.
Tournament Details and Preparation
The Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan, are hosting matches. This will start on September 24, and medal matches will be on October 3. Important competition for teams. Pakistan wants a medal finish, while the new squad needs practice.
A total of 14 members are attending NCA. White-ball camp starting on June 15 in Lahore. Training together building team combinations and bonds. Farhan is learning the captaincy role before leading at. A major tournament that offers good preparation time. The squad will develop an understanding of each other.
Pakistan’s Asian Games Squad shows a new direction. Youth over experience selected this time. Babar’s absence speaks volumes about strategy. Shaheen left out the major talking point. Abdul Samad’s vice role is to support the new captain. Fresh approach, a young team will be interesting to watch their performance.
Pakistan squad for Asian Games 2026 Japan:
Sahibzada Farhan (c), Abdul Samad (vc), 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 (wk)
