Ananya Lohia , Pakistan - The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has announced a 15-member squad for the 2026 Asian Games in Japan, opting for a youthful lineup and leaving out several senior stars, including Babar Azam, Shaheen Shah Afridi and Salman Ali Agha. Opening batter Sahibzada Farhan has been appointed captain, while Abdul Samad will serve as vice-captain.

The squad reflects the PCB's focus on developing emerging talent and providing younger players with exposure on a major international stage. Four players — Akif Javed, Ali Raza, Maaz Sadaqat and Saad Masood — are yet to make their T20I debuts for Pakistan. The PCB also revealed that 14 of the 15 selected players are part of the National Cricket Academy's white-ball camp, which begins in Lahore on June 15. Farhan, one of the most experienced players in the squad, will lead the side after an impressive run in international cricket. The 30-year-old scored 1,305 runs in 46 T20Is, including two centuries and 10 fifties, and finished as the leading run-scorer at the 2026 T20 World Cup.

The announcement comes after Pakistan's disappointing performances in recent tournaments. The team exited the T20 World Cup at the Super 8 stage and also fell short against India in the Asia Cup final, increasing the emphasis on rebuilding and strengthening the squad for future competitions.

By entrusting a young squad with the responsibility of representing the country at the Asian Games, the PCB has signaled its commitment to nurturing the next generation of cricketers. The tournament will provide a valuable opportunity for several emerging players to stake their claim for a regular place in Pakistan's national team.