Pakistan Asian Games 2026 Cricket Squad: Full Players List, Captain and Schedule
Pakistan will take part in the men’s cricket tournament at the Asian Games 2026 with a 15-player squad led by Sahibzada Farhan. Abdul Samad has been named vice-captain, while the squad includes a mix of experienced players and young cricketers.
Pakistan are one of the four seeded teams, along with India, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka. Because of this, Pakistan will not play in the group stage and will enter the tournament directly in the quarter-finals on September 28, 2026.
Pakistan Asian Games 2026 Cricket Squad: Who Has Been Selected?
Pakistan have selected a 15-player men's cricket squad for the Asian Games 2026 in Japan. Sahibzada Farhan will lead the team as captain, while Abdul Samad has been named vice-captain. The squad includes experienced players such as Saim Ayub, Haider Ali and Abrar Ahmed, along with several young players who are looking for a bigger chance on the international stage.
The squad also includes four players who had not played a T20I for Pakistan when the squad was announced: Akif Javed, Ali Raza, Maaz Sadaqat and Saad Masood. This gives Pakistan a mix of experience and new talent for the Asian Games campaign.
Pakistan Men's Asian Games 2026 Squad Full Players List
Pakistan have selected a 15-player men's cricket squad for the Asian Games 2026. Sahibzada Farhan will lead the team as captain, while Abdul Samad has been named vice-captain. The squad includes batters, all-rounders, bowlers and wicketkeeper Usman Khan.
| Player | Role |
|---|---|
| Sahibzada Farhan | Captain |
| Abdul Samad | Vice-captain |
| Abrar Ahmed | Bowler |
| Ahmed Daniyal | Bowler |
| Akif Javed | Bowler |
| Ali Raza | Bowler |
| Arafat Minhas | All-rounder |
| Haider Ali | Batter |
| Hasan Nawaz | Batter |
| Maaz Sadaqat | All-rounder |
| Mohammad Salman Mirza | Bowler |
| Saad Masood | Batter |
| Saim Ayub | All-rounder |
| Sufyan Moqim | Bowler |
| Usman Khan | Wicketkeeper |
PCB confirmed that Akif Javed, Ali Raza, Maaz Sadaqat and Saad Masood were the four players in the squad who had not yet played a T20I for Pakistan when the squad was announced.
How Many Players Are in Pakistan Asian Games 2026 Squad?
Pakistan have selected a 15-player men's cricket squad for the Asian Games 2026. The team will be led by Sahibzada Farhan, with Abdul Samad as vice-captain. The squad includes a mix of batters, bowlers, all-rounders and wicketkeeper Usman Khan.
The squad also gives opportunities to some new players. PCB confirmed that Akif Javed, Ali Raza, Maaz Sadaqat and Saad Masood had not played a T20I for Pakistan when the squad was announced. The 15 players will represent Pakistan in the men's cricket tournament, which begins on September 24, 2026, with Pakistan entering directly at the quarter-final stage.
Which Players Are New to Pakistan T20I Setup?
Four players in Pakistan's Asian Games 2026 squad were yet to make their T20I debut for Pakistan when the squad was announced. These players are Akif Javed, Ali Raza, Maaz Sadaqat and Saad Masood. Their selection gives them a chance to play at a major international event and show their skills at the T20I level.
Akif Javed and Ali Raza are bowlers, while Maaz Sadaqat is an all-rounder and Saad Masood is a batter. All four are part of a Pakistan squad that combines experienced T20 players with new faces. Their inclusion also gives Pakistan more options as the team prepares for the Asian Games 2026 men's cricket tournament.
Who Is Pakistan Captain for the Asian Games 2026 Cricket Team?
Sahibzada Farhan is the captain of Pakistan's men's cricket team for the Asian Games 2026. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) named the experienced opening batter as captain when it announced the 15-player squad for the tournament. Abdul Samad has been named vice-captain.
Farhan brings strong T20I experience to the Asian Games squad. He has represented Pakistan in 46 T20Is and scored 1,305 runs, including two centuries and 10 half-centuries. His role will be important both as a top-order batter and as the leader of Pakistan's young squad during the Asian Games campaign.
Sahibzada Farhan Named Pakistan Captain for Asian Games 2026
Sahibzada Farhan has been named captain of Pakistan men's cricket team for the Asian Games 2026. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) announced his appointment when it revealed the 15-player squad on June 10, 2026. Abdul Samad will serve as the team's vice-captain.
Farhan brings T20I experience to the Asian Games squad. PCB stated that he had played 46 T20Is for Pakistan and scored 1,305 runs, including two centuries and 10 half-centuries, at the time of the squad announcement. He will lead a squad that includes both experienced T20 players and several players yet to make their T20I debut for Pakistan.
Who Is Pakistan Vice-Captain for the Asian Games?
Abdul Samad is the vice-captain of Pakistan's men's cricket team for the Asian Games 2026. The Pakistan Cricket Board named him as Farhan's deputy when it announced the 15-player squad on June 10, 2026.
Samad has already represented Pakistan in five T20Is, giving him international experience alongside captain Sahibzada Farhan. He will support Farhan in leading the team during the Asian Games campaign, which includes several young players making their way into Pakistan's T20 setup.
Which Players Could Be Important for Pakistan at the Asian Games?
Several players could have important roles for Pakistan at the Asian Games 2026. Sahibzada Farhan will lead the team and bring T20I experience to the batting lineup, while Saim Ayub is another key batting option. Abrar Ahmed can add experience to the bowling attack, and Usman Khan is the main wicketkeeper option in the squad.
Pakistan also have players such as Abdul Samad, Arafat Minhas, Hasan Nawaz and Salman Mirza, who can play different roles with the bat and ball. At the same time, the squad includes four players yet to make their Pakistan T20I debuts: Akif Javed, Ali Raza, Maaz Sadaqat and Saad Masood. Their inclusion gives Pakistan additional young options for the tournament.
Which Players Could Be Important for Pakistan at the Asian Games?
Pakistan's squad has a mix of experienced T20 players and young players who can make an impact during the Asian Games. The following players could have important roles because of their batting, bowling, all-round ability or leadership experience.
| Player | Role | Why Could Be Important? |
|---|---|---|
| Sahibzada Farhan | Captain Batter | Will lead the team and provide experience at the top of the batting order. |
| Saim Ayub | All-rounder | Can contribute with both bat and ball and add balance to the team. |
| Abdul Samad | Vice-captain | Brings T20 experience and can play an important role in the middle order. |
| Abrar Ahmed | Bowler | A key spin option who can take wickets and control the middle overs. |
| Haider Ali | Batter | An experienced T20 batter who can provide attacking runs. |
| Arafat Minhas | All-rounder | Gives Pakistan another option with both bat and ball. |
| Sufyan Moqim | Bowler | Can strengthen Pakistan's bowling attack with his spin. |
| Usman Khan | Wicketkeeper | Provides wicketkeeping ability along with experience as a T20 batter. |
Which Young and New Players Are in Pakistan's Asian Games Squad?
Pakistan's Asian Games 2026 squad includes several young and less-experienced players who have a chance to show their skills on the international stage. Four players — Akif Javed, Ali Raza, Maaz Sadaqat and Saad Masood — had not played a T20I for Pakistan when the squad was announced.
| Player | Role | What Makes Them New or Young? |
|---|---|---|
| Ali Raza | Bowler | Young fast bowler getting an opportunity at a major international event. |
| Akif Javed | Bowler | Yet to make his Pakistan T20I debut when selected. |
| Maaz Sadaqat | All-rounder | New T20I option who can contribute with both bat and ball. |
| Saad Masood | Batter | Yet to make his Pakistan T20I debut when selected. |
| Sufyan Moqim | Bowler | Young bowling option with a chance to gain more international experience. |
| Arafat Minhas | All-rounder | Young all-round option who can add balance to the team. |
| Ahmed Daniyal | Bowler | Provides another pace option in Pakistan's young bowling group. |
Is Pakistan 2026 Asian Games Squad Different From the Main T20I Team?
Yes, Pakistan's Asian Games 2026 squad is different from the main T20I setup. The Asian Games team includes several young and new players, with Akif Javed, Ali Raza, Maaz Sadaqat and Saad Masood yet to play a T20I for Pakistan when the squad was announced. At the same time, several senior T20I names such as Babar Azam, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Shadab Khan and Fakhar Zaman are not part of the Asian Games squad.
There are also some players who are part of both groups, including Sahibzada Farhan, Saim Ayub, Abrar Ahmed, Mohammad Salman Mirza and Usman Khan. This means Pakistan's Asian Games team combines some established T20 players with new faces, giving younger players an opportunity to gain international experience.
How Is Pakistan Asian Games Squad Different From Its Main T20I Team?
Pakistan's Asian Games 2026 squad is different from its main T20I setup because it includes several new and less-experienced players. Akif Javed, Ali Raza, Maaz Sadaqat and Saad Masood had not played a T20I for Pakistan when the Asian Games squad was announced. The team is led by Sahibzada Farhan, with Abdul Samad as vice-captain.
Some senior Pakistan T20I players are also not part of the Asian Games squad, while several players have experience in Pakistan's T20 setup. This gives the Asian Games team a different mix of experience and youth, with the tournament also providing an opportunity for new players to gain international experience.
| Difference | Asian Games 2026 Squad | Main T20I Setup |
|---|---|---|
| Squad focus | Mix of experienced and new players | More established T20I players |
| Captain | Sahibzada Farhan | Different depending on the current T20I series |
| New T20I players | Akif Javed, Ali Raza, Maaz Sadaqat, Saad Masood | Not part of the established T20I group |
| Senior names missing | Several regular senior T20I players are not included | More established international players available |
| Main purpose | Asian Games 2026 campaign | Pakistan's regular T20I assignments |
| Squad size | 15 players | Can change from series to series |
Which Regular Pakistan Players Are Not in the Asian Games Squad?
Pakistan's Asian Games 2026 squad does not include several established players who have been part of the country's recent T20I setup. Babar Azam, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Shadab Khan, Fakhar Zaman, Naseem Shah, Mohammad Nawaz and Faheem Ashraf are among the notable names missing from the 15-player Asian Games squad.
| Player | Role | Status in Asian Games Squad |
|---|---|---|
| Babar Azam | Batter | Not selected |
| Shaheen Shah Afridi | Fast bowler | Not selected |
| Shadab Khan | All-rounder | Not selected |
| Fakhar Zaman | Batter | Not selected |
| Naseem Shah | Fast bowler | Not selected |
| Mohammad Nawaz | All-rounder | Not selected |
| Faheem Ashraf | All-rounder | Not selected |
The Asian Games squad instead includes several younger or less-experienced players, including four players who had not played a T20I for Pakistan when the squad was announced: Akif Javed, Ali Raza, Maaz Sadaqat and Saad Masood. This gives the Asian Games team a different mix from Pakistan's main T20I group.
When Is Pakistan First Asian Games Cricket Match?
Pakistan will play its first men's cricket match at the Asian Games 2026 on September 28, 2026. Pakistan are one of the four seeded teams, so they will skip the group stage and enter directly in the quarter-finals. Their first match is scheduled against the runner-up of Group B, which includes Hong Kong, China, Malaysia and Oman.
The quarter-final is scheduled for 9:00 AM Japan time at Korogi Athletic Park. For viewers in Pakistan, that is 5:00 AM Pakistan Standard Time (PKT). If Pakistan win this match, they will move into the semi-finals on October 1.
Who Will Pakistan Face in the Asian Games 2026 Quarter-Final?
Pakistan will face the runner-up of Group B in the men's cricket quarter-final at the Asian Games 2026. Group B contains Hong Kong, China, Malaysia and Oman, so Pakistan's opponent will be the team that finishes second in this group after the three group matches.
The quarter-final is scheduled for September 28, 2026, at 9:00 AM Japan time. The match is listed as CKT15, with Pakistan entering directly at the knockout stage as one of the four seeded teams.
Pakistan Asian Games 2026 Cricket Schedule and Fixtures
Pakistan will begin its Asian Games 2026 men's cricket campaign on September 28, 2026. As one of the four seeded teams, Pakistan will skip the group stage and enter directly in the quarter-finals. Its first match will be against the runner-up of Group B, which contains Hong Kong, China, Malaysia and Oman.
If Pakistan wins its quarter-final, the team will play a semi-final on October 1. The men's bronze medal match and final are scheduled for October 3 at Korogi Athletic Park in Aichi, Japan. The exact opponent in the later rounds will depend on the results of the previous matches.
| Date | Match | Opponent | Time (Japan) | Match Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| September 28, 2026 | Quarter-final | Group B Runner-up | 9:00 AM | CKT15 |
| October 1, 2026 | Semi-final* | TBC | 9:00 AM | CKT19 |
| October 3, 2026 | Bronze Medal Match* | TBC | 9:00 AM | CKT21 |
| October 3, 2026 | Final* | TBC | 1:30 PM | CKT22 |
*Later matches depend on Pakistan results.
All Pakistan men's cricket matches are scheduled at Korogi Athletic Park. The quarter-final is at 9:00 AM Japan time, which is 5:00 AM Pakistan Standard Time (PKT).
Pakistan Possible Route to the Final
Pakistan will enter the Asian Games 2026 men's cricket tournament directly in the quarter-final stage as one of the four seeded teams. Its first knockout match is scheduled for September 28, against the runner-up of Group B. If Pakistan wins, it will move into the semi-final on October 1.
The published bracket places Pakistan on the side of Bangladesh and the Group B winner. Therefore, Pakistan's semi-final opponent would be the winner of Bangladesh vs Group B winner. If Pakistan also wins the semi-final, it will reach the gold medal match on October 3.
| Stage | Date | Possible Opponent | Match Code |
|---|---|---|---|
| Quarter-final | September 28 | Group B runner-up | CKT15 |
| Semi-final | October 1 | Winner of Bangladesh vs Group B winner | CKT19 |
| Final | October 3 | Winner of the other semi-final | CKT22 |
Pakistan would need to win two knockout matches to reach the final: first the quarter-final and then the semi-final. The final is scheduled for October 3 at 1:30 PM Japan time.
Can Pakistan Play India in the Asian Games 2026?
Yes, Pakistan can play India in the Asian Games 2026, but the two teams can meet only in the gold medal final under the published men's cricket bracket. Pakistan will play the Group B runner-up in the quarter-final, while India will face the Group A runner-up.
If both teams win their quarter-finals and then their respective semi-finals, Pakistan and India would meet in the final on October 3, 2026. Pakistan's side of the bracket includes the winner of Bangladesh vs Group B winner, while India's side includes the winner of Sri Lanka vs Group A winner.
| Stage | Pakistan Route | India's Route |
|---|---|---|
| Quarter-final | Group B runner-up | Group A runner-up |
| Semi-final | Winner of Bangladesh vs Group B winner | Winner of Sri Lanka vs Group A winner |
| Final | India possible opponent | Pakistan possible opponent |
Where Are India and Pakistan in the Asian Games Draw?
India and Pakistan are both among the four seeded teams in the men's Asian Games 2026 cricket tournament, along with Bangladesh and Sri Lanka. Because of their seeding, both teams skip the group stage and enter directly in the quarter-finals. India will face the Group A runner-up, while Pakistan will face the Group B runner-up.
The two teams are placed on opposite sides of the knockout bracket. India is in the half with Sri Lanka and the Group A teams, while Pakistan is in the half with Bangladesh and the Group B teams. This means India and Pakistan cannot meet in the quarter-final or semi-final under the published draw; they can meet only in the final if both reach it.
| Team | Quarter-final | Possible Semi-final | Possible Final |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pakistan | Group B runner-up | Bangladesh vs Group B winner | India possible |
| India | Group A runner-up | Sri Lanka vs Group A winner | Pakistan possible |
When Can Pakistan Meet India in the Asian Games?
Pakistan can meet India in the Asian Games 2026 men's cricket final on October 3, 2026, but only if both teams reach the final. The official draw places Pakistan and India on opposite sides of the knockout bracket. Pakistan will first face the Group B runner-up in the quarter-final, while India will play the Group A runner-up.
If both teams win their quarter-finals, Pakistan will play the winner of Bangladesh vs Group B winner in the semi-final, while India will face the winner of Sri Lanka vs Group A winner. Therefore, Pakistan vs India is not possible in the quarter-final or semi-final under the published draw. Their possible meeting is the October 3 final at 1:30 PM Japan time.
Could India vs Pakistan Happen in the Final?
Yes, India vs Pakistan could happen in the Asian Games 2026 men's cricket final. Both teams are seeded and enter directly at the quarter-final stage. Pakistan will face the second-placed team from Group B, while India will face the second-placed team from Group A.
If both teams win their quarter-finals, Pakistan would then face the winner of Bangladesh vs Group B winner in the semi-final, while India would face the winner of Sri Lanka vs Group A winner. Because they are on opposite sides of the published knockout bracket, their possible meeting would come in the final on October 3, 2026.
| Stage | Pakistan | India |
|---|---|---|
| Quarter-final | Group B runner-up | Group A runner-up |
| Semi-final | Winner of Bangladesh vs Group B winner | Winner of Sri Lanka vs Group A winner |
| Final | India possible | Pakistan possible |
FAQs:
Who is Pakistan captain in Asian Games 2026 cricket?
Sahibzada Farhan is the captain of Pakistan's men's cricket team for the Asian Games 2026. Abdul Samad is the vice-captain.
Who is in Pakistan Asian Games 2026 cricket squad?
Pakistan's 15-player squad includes Sahibzada Farhan, Saim Ayub, Abrar Ahmed, Haider Ali, Usman Khan and several young players.
How many players are in Pakistan Asian Games squad?
Pakistan have selected a 15-player men's squad for the Asian Games 2026.
Who is Pakistan vice-captain for the Asian Games?
Abdul Samad is Pakistan's vice-captain for the Asian Games 2026 men's cricket tournament.
When will Pakistan play in the Asian Games 2026?
Pakistan will begin its men's campaign on September 28, 2026, directly in the quarter-final stage.
Who will Pakistan face in the Asian Games quarter-final?
Pakistan will face the runner-up of Group B, which contains Hong Kong, China, Malaysia and Oman.
Can Pakistan play India in the Asian Games 2026?
Yes. Under the published knockout draw, Pakistan and India can meet in the final on October 3, 2026, if both teams reach the final.
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