Pakistan announces 15‑member cricket squad for Asian Games 2026, appointing Sahibzada Farhan as captain

Key points:

• The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has released a 15‑player roster for the cricket tournament at the 2026 Asian Games.
• All‑rounder Sahibzada Farhan is named captain, with a designated vice‑captain to support him throughout the competition.
• The squad blends seasoned internationals with promising young talent, reflecting the PCB’s focus on building depth ahead of the 2027 World Cup qualifiers.
• The full match schedule has been published, outlining Pakistan’s fixtures, dates and venues in Aichi‑Nagoya, Japan.

The PCB’s selection committee announced the Asian Games squad on Thursday, confirming a blend of experience and youth that it hopes will translate into a podium finish. Veteran all‑rounder Sahibzada Farhan, who has been a regular fixture in Pakistan’s limited‑overs side and a key performer in domestic tournaments, will wear the captain’s armband. His appointment signals the board’s confidence in his leadership abilities and his capacity to mentor emerging players on an international stage.

Alongside Farhan, the committee named fast‑bowling spearhead Mohammad Abbas as vice‑captain, giving the side a clear hierarchy on and off the field. The 15‑member roster includes established names such as wicket‑keeper batsman Mohammad Rizwan, spin maestro Saifullah Khan, and promising youngster Ahmed Raza, who impressed in the recent Quaid-e‑Azam Trophy. This mix aims to balance the pressure of high‑stakes matches with the development of the next generation of Pakistani cricketers.

The Asian Games cricket tournament will be held at the Nagoya Cricket Ground from 24 September to 5 October 2026. Pakistan’s opening match is scheduled against Nepal on 24 September, followed by group‑stage clashes with Sri Lanka and Bangladesh. Should the side progress, the quarter‑finals and semi‑finals are slated for early October, with the medal match set for 5 October. The PCB has outlined a comprehensive preparation program, including a two‑week training camp in Karachi and a short tour of the United Arab Emirates to acclimatise to the conditions expected in Japan.

For Pakistani fans, the squad’s composition carries added significance. A strong showing could boost the sport’s popularity ahead of the domestic season, attract sponsorship, and provide a morale lift after a challenging international calendar. Moreover, success at the Asian Games would reinforce Pakistan’s reputation as a cricketing powerhouse in the continent, potentially influencing future selections for larger tournaments such as the ICC World Cup and the T20 World Cup. The team now turns its focus to intensive training, with the eyes of a cricket‑loving nation firmly fixed on the upcoming Asian Games.