Pakistan name 15-member squad for Asian Games 2026
Islamabad, June 10
Pakistan have announced their 15-member squad for the upcoming Asian Games 2026, with several new faces included in the lineup, according to the International Cricket Council.
The squad features uncapped players Akif Javed, Ali Raza, Maaz Sadaqat and Saad Masood, who are in contention to make their T20I debuts during the tournament.
Experienced batter Sahibzada Farhan has been named captain for the 10-team competition
Right-handed batter Abdul Samad has been appointed vice-captain for the side.
The men's cricket competition at the 2026 Asian Games will be played in the T20 format, running from September 24 to October 3. A total of 10 teams, India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Afghanistan, Japan, Nepal, Malaysia, Hong Kong and Oman, will battle for the gold medal.
Afghanistan, Bangladesh, India, Pakistan and Sri Lanka earned automatic berths for the men's cricket competition, along with hosts Japan.
Pakistan squad: 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.
Meanwhile, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has also announced the Indian squad for the upcoming Asian Games. Newly appointed T20I captain Shreyas Iyer will lead the side in Japan, with Tilak Varma serving as vice-captain.
Teenage sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi is set to challenge for a place at the top of the order alongside established batters Sanju Samson, Abhishek Sharma and Ishan Kishan, adding further depth and competition to India's batting lineup.
India squad: Shreyas Iyer (capt), Sanju Samson (wk), Abhishek Sharma, Ishan Kishan (wk), Shivam Dube, Tilak Varma (vc), Axar Patel, Washington Sundar, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Varun Chakravarthy, Ravi Bishnoi, Harshit Rana, Arshdeep Singh, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, Jasprit Bumrah.
— ANI
Reader Comments
Vaibhav Sooryavanshi in Indian squad - what a great move by BCCI! Finally backing young talent in pressure tournaments. Shreyas Iyer as captain is a wise choice, his domestic record is stellar. Can't wait to watch him lead.
I think BCCI should have rested some of the seniors but Jasprit Bumrah's inclusion suggests they're taking this seriously. Pakistan's squad has interesting names - Saim Ayub can be dangerous in T20s. Should be a cracker of a tournament! 🇮🇳🇵🇰
Respect to Pakistan for giving chances to uncapped players like Akif Javed and Ali Raza. But honestly, India's bowling attack with Bumrah, Arshdeep, and Varun Chakravarthy looks terrifying for opponents. Gold medal is definitely in sight! 🇮🇳
Good to see Asian Games cricket getting this much attention. Both India and Pakistan have announced strong squads. I hope the matches are held smoothly and we see some thrilling contests! 👍
Not sure about including Ishan Kishan in India's squad when he's been out of form. Would have preferred someone like Ruturaj Gaikwad. But otherwise, solid team! Pakistan's squad looks raw but could surprise everyone. 🏏
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