Salman Mirza ruled out of 2026 Asian Games with thumb injury

Pakistan left-arm pacer Salman Mirza has been ruled out of the 2026 Asian Games men’s cricket squad due to a fractured left thumb. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) confirmed that Mirza is currently undergoing rehabilitation and is expected to be fit by the first week of October.

Mohammad Wasim Jnr has been named as his replacement. Wasim Jnr, who has 34 T20I appearances, is expected to provide depth to the bowling attack for the tournament held in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan.

The Pakistan squad, captained by Sahibzada Farhan, is scheduled to begin its campaign with a quarter-final match on September 28 at Korogi Sports Park. The men's T20 competition begins on September 24, with medal matches set for October 3.