KARACHI: Pakistan have reshuffled their squad for the men’s cricket competition at the 2026 Asian Games, bringing Mohammad Wasim Jr into the side after Salman Mirza was ruled out with a thumb injury.
🚨IN – M WASIM, OUT – SALMAN MIRZA 🚨(Sohail Imran)
– Mohammad Wasim Jnr replaces Mohammad Salman Mirza in Pakistan’s Asian Games squad after Salman was ruled out with a left-thumb fracture.#Cricket pic.twitter.com/fiiAeBkQdW
— Rana Ahmad. (@AhmadRana056) September 20, 2026
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) confirmed that Wasim has been added to the squad as the team prepares for the T20 tournament in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan.
Wasim joins squad ahead of campaign
Salman Mirza suffered a fracture to his left thumb and is currently undergoing rehabilitation. The pacer is expected to return to full fitness in the first week of October.
His replacement, Mohammad Wasim Jr., brings international experience to the squad as Pakistan look to build a strong campaign in the continental tournament.
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The men’s T20 competition begins on September 24, with the medal matches scheduled for October 3. Pakistan will be led by Sahibzada Farhan, with the team’s first quarter-final scheduled for September 28 against a qualifying side.
Pakistan prepare for Asian Games challenge
The 10-team competition features some of Asia’s leading cricket nations, including India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and Afghanistan, along with hosts Japan.
Nepal, Malaysia, Hong Kong and Oman completed the line-up through qualification.
Pakistan’s squad is set to gather in Karachi for a training camp at the Hanif Mohammad High-Performance Centre from September 21 to 24 before departing for Japan.
Several players, including Usman Khan, Saim Ayub, Maaz Sadaqat, Hasan Nawaz and Sufyan Moqim, are expected to join after completing franchise commitments.
Squad aims for strong showing
The Pakistan team will be supported by head coach Mike Hesson and a backroom staff including bowling coach Ashley Noffke and fielding coach Shane McDermott.
With a blend of experienced players and emerging talent, Pakistan will aim to make a strong impact as cricket features once again on the Asian Games stage.
