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Pakistan’s men’s cricket team has suffered a major setback ahead of the Asian Games 2026. Fast bowler Salman Mirza has been ruled out of the tournament after suffering a fracture to his left thumb.
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has confirmed that Mohammad Wasim Junior will replace Salman Mirza in the squad. The change comes shortly before the start of the men’s cricket competition at the Asian Games.
Salman Mirza Ruled Out of Asian Games 2026 With Thumb Fracture
Salman Mirza will not be available for Pakistan’s Asian Games campaign after sustaining a fracture to his left thumb. The pacer is currently undergoing rehabilitation as he works towards making a full recovery.
According to the PCB, Salman Mirza is expected to regain full fitness by the first week of October. However, his recovery timeline means he will miss the Asian Games tournament.
The injury is a setback for Pakistan’s bowling plans, with the team now having to make adjustments before the competition begins.
Mohammad Wasim Junior Replaces Salman Mirza in Pakistan Squad
Following Salman Mirza’s injury, Mohammad Wasim Junior has been added to Pakistan’s Asian Games squad.
Wasim Junior will now strengthen Pakistan’s pace-bowling options during the tournament. His inclusion gives the team another experienced fast-bowling option ahead of the knockout stage.
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Sahibzada Farhan Named Pakistan Captain for Asian Games 2026
Sahibzada Farhan will lead Pakistan at the Asian Games 2026, while Abdul Samad has been named vice-captain.
Pakistan’s squad does not include several of its biggest names, including Babar Azam, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Haris Rauf and Naseem Shah. The PCB has not provided detailed reasons for their absence from the Asian Games squad.
Babar Azam, Shaheen Afridi and Naseem Shah Miss Pakistan Squad
Pakistan will enter the Asian Games without some of its established international stars. Babar Azam, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Haris Rauf and Naseem Shah are among the notable names missing from the squad.
The selection gives younger and less experienced players an opportunity to represent Pakistan on the Asian Games stage.
India vs Pakistan at Asian Games 2026: When Can They Meet?
The men’s cricket competition at the Asian Games 2026 is scheduled to begin on September 24.
India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh have received direct entry into the quarter-finals. The tournament draw means India and Pakistan cannot face each other in the semi-finals.
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As a result, an India vs Pakistan clash can only take place in the bronze-medal or gold-medal match, depending on their results in the knockout stage.
Both teams are scheduled to play their respective quarter-final matches on September 28.
Pakistan’s Asian Games 2026 Quarter-Final Set for September 28
Pakistan will begin its knockout-stage campaign with a quarter-final match on September 28.
With Mohammad Wasim Junior now replacing the injured Salman Mirza, Pakistan’s bowling combination will be one of the areas to watch when the team takes the field.
Pakistan Squad for Asian Games 2026: Full Player List
- Sahibzada Farhan (Captain)
- Abdul Samad (Vice-Captain)
- Abrar Ahmed
- Ahmed Daniyal
- Aaqib Javed
- Ali Raza
- Arafat Minhas
- Haider Ali
- Hasan Nawaz
- Maaz Sadaqat
- Mohammad Wasim Junior
- Saad Masood
- Saim Ayub
- Sufiyan Muqeem
- Usman Khan (Wicketkeeper)
Pakistan’s Updated Squad After Salman Mirza’s Injury
Salman Mirza’s injury has forced Pakistan to make an important change to its Asian Games squad. With Mohammad Wasim Junior coming into the team, Pakistan will now look to prepare for its opening knockout match.
The Asian Games cricket competition begins on September 24, while the quarter-final stage featuring the directly qualified teams is scheduled for September 28.
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