# Pakistan cricket preparation for Asian Games

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/pakistan-cricket-preparation-for-asian-games
> Updated: 2026-09-23T22:32:49.000Z. Sources: 5. Developments: 2.

Pakistan’s white-ball cricket squad began a four-day training camp in Karachi at the Hanif Mohammad High Performance Centre to prepare for the 2026 Asian Games in Japan. The 15-member squad, led by captain Sahibzada Farhan and vice-captain Abdul Samad, underwent drills in batting, bowling, and fielding, with plans to depart for Japan with a 21-member traveling party.

Following the training preparations, Sahibzada Farhan was officially appointed captain for the tournament. Farhan, who was the leading run-scorer of the 2026 Men’s T20 World Cup, expressed a focus on winning every match to secure a gold medal. Head coach Mike Hesson noted the appointment provides Farhan with leadership experience, though the selection committee has yet to make a long-term decision regarding the captaincy.

## Claims

- The Pakistan Cricket Board appointed Sahibzada Farhan to lead the squad for the Asian Games. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- Sahibzada Farhan views the captaincy as an honor for himself and his family. (single source)
- Pakistan is targeting a gold medal at the Asian Games in Japan. (single source)
- Head coach Mike Hesson stated that the Asian Games provide an opportunity for Farhan to gain captaincy experience. (single source)
- Sahibzada Farhan scored 383 runs and two centuries during the 2026 Men’s T20 World Cup. (single source)
- Farhan may be retained as captain for the upcoming T20 series against Sri Lanka in Rawalpindi. (single source)
- Fakhar Zaman, Shaheen Afridi, and Haris Rauf are not expected to participate in the upcoming Sri Lanka series. (single source)
- The PCB is working to build a wider player pool for the 2028 T20 World Cup. (single source)

## Timeline

### 2026-09-23: Sahibzada Farhan appointed Pakistan cricket captain for Asian Games

Sahibzada Farhan has been named captain of Pakistan's cricket squad for the Asian Games in Japan, with potential to lead the T20 side in an upcoming series against Sri Lanka.

4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/sahibzada-farhan-appointed-pakistan-cricket-captain-for-asian-games

### 2026-09-21: Pakistan cricket squad begins training for Asian Games

Pakistan's cricket squad has begun a training camp in Karachi to prepare for the 2026 Asian Games in Japan, led by captain Sahibzada Farhan.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/pakistan-cricket-squad-begins-training-for-asian-games

---
Cite as: Pakistan cricket preparation for Asian Games. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/pakistan-cricket-preparation-for-asian-games