Pakistan's Young Squad Aims for Glory Against India in Asian Games Cricket

As the 2026 Asian Games approach, Pakistan's head coach Mike Hesson emphasizes the potential of the young squad, primarily drawn from the Pakistan Shaheens. With aspirations to face India in a crucial match, Hesson reflects on the team's past performances and current preparations. Despite recent struggles in Test cricket, he highlights the T20 team's rise in rankings and their determination to improve ahead of the World Cup. The excitement builds as both teams gear up for their quarter-final clashes on September 28, with hopes of a thrilling encounter on the horizon.

By Narendra Chaudhary Sep 23, 2026, 23:56 IST

Pakistan's Strategy for the Asian Games

Karachi, Pakistan - On September 23, head coach Mike Hesson expressed confidence in Pakistan's youthful team, primarily composed of players from the Pakistan Shaheens, as they prepare for a potential clash with India in the men's cricket event at the 2026 Asian Games. Hesson noted that the squad would draw inspiration from their performance in last year's Asia Cup final, as reported by a sports news outlet.

The anticipated match between Pakistan and India will only occur if both teams secure victories in their quarter-final matches scheduled for September 28 in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan.

Despite having triumphed over all other teams in the previous Asia Cup, Pakistan faced defeat in all three encounters against India, including the final. Hesson acknowledged India's status as the current 'benchmark' in white-ball cricket but emphasized Pakistan's intent to apply pressure if they meet again at the Asian Games, while also recognizing the challenges both teams must overcome first.

"India sets the standard in white-ball cricket right now, and our goal is to catch up. We are preparing thoroughly, and if we face India, we will certainly aim to put them under pressure, similar to our approach in the Asia Cup final. However, we must focus on the matches ahead before thinking about a final," Hesson stated before the team's departure for the Asian Games.

Pakistan is one of the four seeded teams in the tournament, alongside India, Sri Lanka, and Bangladesh, and will kick off their campaign against the Group B runners-up on September 28.

The team has faced challenges in Test cricket recently, suffering defeats in series against Bangladesh and England. Hesson acknowledged these struggles but pointed out the team's improvement in T20 rankings and recent series victories, while also noting that the ODI team is still evolving as they approach the World Cup.

"We are aware of the Test team's difficulties. However, our T20I win percentage over the last 15 months ranks among the top three or four globally. While we have faced losses to India, which is the benchmark for all Pakistani teams, it is inaccurate to claim that our T20 side is underperforming," he remarked.

"When I joined, we were ranked eighth in T20 cricket, and now we've climbed to fifth, gaining 30 points through consistent series wins, not just in Pakistan but also in Dubai and the USA. It's essential to evaluate each format separately. While we are struggling in Test cricket and developing in ODIs as we head into the World Cup, our performance has improved significantly over the past year, though we are still a work in progress," Hesson concluded.

The squad representing Pakistan in the 2026 Asian Games men's cricket competition includes: Sahibzada Farhan (captain), Abdul Samad (vice-captain), Abrar Ahmed, Ahmed Daniyal, Akif Javed, Ali Raza, Arafat Minhas, Haider Ali, Hasan Nawaz, Maaz Sadaqat, Mohammad Wasim Jnr, Saad Masood, Saim Ayub, Sufyan Moqim, and Usman Khan (wicket-keeper).