Pakistan have taken a noticeably different squad to the Asian Games 2026, with several players who were absent from the country’s Asia Cup 2025 campaign getting an opportunity to make their mark in Japan.

The 15-member Pakistan squad is led by Sahibzada Farhan, with Abdul Samad serving as vice-captain. Among the players selected, four – Akif Javed, Ali Raza, Maaz Sadaqat and Saad Masood – are yet to make their T20I debuts.

9 Pakistan players in Asian Games 2026 squad who were not selected for Asia Cup 2025:

1. Abdul Samad

Abdul Samad is arguably the most experienced name among this group and has been given an important leadership responsibility as Pakistan’s Asian Games 2026 vice-captain.

The right-handed batter made his Pakistan T20I debut in March 2025 and has subsequently remained on the selectors’ radar across white-ball cricket. He is also an established name in Pakistan’s domestic and franchise competitions.

Samad’s aggressive batting is his biggest strength. His ability to accelerate quickly makes him particularly useful in T20 cricket, where middle-order batters are often required to change the momentum of an innings in a short period.

His franchise performances have also showcased his power-hitting ability. During the 2026 PSL season, he scored 132 runs from 70 balls, including 12 sixes, according to available career data.

At the Asian Games, his role goes beyond batting. As Farhan’s deputy, Samad will be part of Pakistan’s leadership group.

2. Ahmed Daniyal

Ahmed Daniyal brings genuine pace to Pakistan’s Asian Games bowling attack.

The right-arm medium-fast bowler was born in 1997 and has represented Pakistan, Pakistan A and several domestic and franchise teams. He made his T20I debut in 2025 and took 2/23 against Bangladesh in his first appearance.

Daniyal’s pace and ability to generate movement make him an interesting option in the shorter format. He has also been involved with teams such as Lahore Qalandars, Melbourne Stars, Quetta Gladiators and Multan Sultans.

His inclusion gives Pakistan another fast-bowling option alongside the younger Ali Raza and Akif Javed.

3. Akif Javed

Akif Javed is a left-arm medium-fast bowler who has spent several years developing through Pakistan’s domestic system.

Born in Kohat in 2000, Javed has represented Balochistan, Karachi Kings, Islamabad United and Multan Sultans, among other teams. The PCB lists him as a right-handed batter and left-arm medium-fast bowler.

He made his senior international debut in an ODI against New Zealand in March 2025 and subsequently impressed during that series. However, he had not played a T20I for Pakistan when the Asian Games squad was announced.

His left-arm angle can provide variation to Pakistan’s bowling attack, particularly when used alongside right-arm pace.

4. Ali Raza

At just 18 years old, Ali Raza is one of the most exciting young names in Pakistan’s Asian Games squad.

The right-arm medium-fast bowler was born in March 2008 and has already progressed through Pakistan’s Under-19 system into domestic and franchise cricket. The PCB lists Pakistan Under-19s, Peshawar Zalmi and Pakistan Shaheens among his teams.

Raza has attracted attention for his pace and accuracy and made a significant impression in the PSL. He also became the youngest Pakistani bowler to take a PSL hat-trick in 2026.

The Asian Games provide him with a major opportunity to make the jump from promising young bowler to senior international contender.

5. Arafat Minhas

Arafat Minhas offers Pakistan a valuable left-handed all-round option.

Born in Multan in 2005, Minhas bats left-handed and bowls slow left-arm orthodox spin. He has represented Pakistan Under-19s, Pakistan, Pakistan Shaheens and several domestic and franchise sides.

His ability to contribute in both departments makes him particularly useful in T20 cricket. Rather than being restricted to one specialist role, Minhas can provide batting depth while offering a left-arm spin option.

He has already made his Pakistan debut and therefore brings some international experience to a squad containing several uncapped players.

6. Haider Ali

Haider Ali is a familiar name who gets another opportunity to re-establish himself in Pakistan colours.

The right-handed batter made his international breakthrough in 2020, scoring a half-century on his T20I debut against England. He subsequently played across T20Is and ODIs before falling out of the regular national setup.

Haider has continued playing domestic and franchise cricket, representing teams including Peshawar Zalmi, Islamabad United and Karachi Kings.

His return to the national setup for the Asian Games is therefore significant. He offers Pakistan an experienced top- or middle-order batting option and has recently produced useful performances in domestic cricket.

7. Maaz Sadaqat

Maaz Sadaqat is another young all-round option in the Pakistan squad.

Born in Peshawar in 2005, Sadaqat is a left-handed batter and slow left-arm orthodox bowler. He has represented Pakistan Under-19s, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Peshawar Zalmi and Pakistan Shaheens.

Sadaqat was one of the four players in the Asian Games squad yet to make a T20I appearance for Pakistan when the squad was announced.

His dual skill set could make him particularly useful in Japan, where Pakistan have the flexibility to adjust their combination according to conditions.

8. Saad Masood

Saad Masood is another uncapped player who has been handed a major opportunity.

The Rawalpindi-born cricketer is a right-handed batter and right-arm leg-spinner. He has represented Pakistan Under-19s, Islamabad United, Peshawar Zalmi and other domestic teams.

Masood is one of the four players in Pakistan’s Asian Games squad who had not played a T20I for the senior side at the time of selection.

His leg-spin gives Pakistan a different bowling option from the left-arm spinners in the squad, while his batting provides additional depth.

9. Usman Khan

Usman Khan brings experience and a specialist role behind the stumps.

The right-handed batter and wicketkeeper has represented Pakistan since making his T20I debut in 2024. He has also featured extensively in franchise cricket, including for Multan Sultans.

The PCB selected him as the wicketkeeper for the Asian Games squad, giving Pakistan an experienced option in a position that requires both batting and keeping responsibilities.

His presence also gives the team flexibility in constructing its top and middle order.

Also READ: 7 Indian cricketers in Asian Games 2026 squad who did not play Asia Cup 2025 ft. Shreyas Iyer

Pakistan’s new-look Asian Games squad

The inclusion of these nine players highlights the difference between Pakistan’s Asia Cup 2025 squad and Asian Games 2026 group.

While the Asian Games squad still contains established international players such as Farhan, Saim Ayub, Abrar Ahmed and Sufyan Moqim, it also provides a platform for emerging talent. The selection of Akif Javed, Ali Raza, Maaz Sadaqat and Saad Masood in particular shows Pakistan’s willingness to expose uncapped players to a major multi-sport event.

For Abdul Samad, the tournament comes with the additional responsibility of being vice-captain. For the likes of Raza, Sadaqat and Masood, meanwhile, it could represent the beginning of a senior international career.

Pakistan’s men’s cricket competition at the Asian Games 2026 begins on September 28, with the medal matches scheduled for October 3.

Also READ: Pakistan head coach Mike Hesson issues big warning to India ahead of Asian Games 2026

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