Pakistan has made one change to their men’s cricket team for the 2026 Asian Games after fast bowler Mohammad Salman Mirza was ruled out with a thumb injury.
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) confirmed the change on 20 September 2026, with Mohammad Wasim Jnr coming into the squad as Mirza’s replacement.
Salman Mirza Ruled Out
Salman Mirza has been sidelined after a fracture in his left thumb. The injury means he will miss Pakistan's Asian Games campaign in Japan.
As a result, Mirza is currently rehabbing and will return to full fitness in the first week of October, the PCB said.
The injury is therefore a setback for the young Pakistan pace attack as the team prepares for the men's T20I competition.
Mohammad Wasim Jnr joins the Squad
Mohammad Wasim Jnr joined the PCB 15-member squad to replace Mirza.
Wasim brings international experience to the group and gives Pakistan another pace-bowling option ahead of the tournament.
His inclusion also gives team management another choice when deciding the bowling combination for the Asian Games matches.
Sahibzada Farhan to lead Pakistan
Pakistan's Asian Games team will be led by Sahibzada Farhan, with Abdul Samad as vice-captain.
The squad includes some international, domestic and domestic T20 players and a few young players who are trying to make a name for themselves.
The original squad was announced by the PCB in June, with Salman Mirza among the 15 players.
Pakistan Begins preparation for Asian Games.
Pakistan's players gathered in Karachi on September 20 for their pre-departure preparations.
The team will train at the Hanif Mohammad High-Performance Centre from September 21 to September 24 before leaving for Japan on the night of September 24.
Five players -- Usman Khan, Saim Ayub, Maaz Sadaqat, Hasan Nawaz and Sufyan Moqim -- are expected to join the camp after their franchise commitments are met as well.
When will Asian Games Cricket take place?
The men's cricket competition in the Asian Games starts September 24.
Pakistan are among the teams to be directly entered into the quarter-finals. The medal matches are scheduled for October 3, according to the PCB's tournament information.
India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh have all been directly entered into the quarter-final.
There Is One Change For Departure Just Before It Happens.
The injury to Salman Mirza comes only days before Pakistan travels to Japan.
For the team management, the immediate focus is on integrating Mohammad Wasim Jnr into the bowling group and preparing the squad for the knockout stages.
The new squad provides Pakistan with another experienced fast-bowling option as they begin their Asian Games campaign.
