Salman Mirza Ruled Out of Pakistan’s Asian Games 2026 Squad Due to Thumb Fracture
KARACHI:Pakistan fast bowler Salman Mirza has been ruled out of the national squad for the men’s cricket competition at the 2026 Asian Games in Japan.
According to the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), Salman Mirza has been sidelined due to a fracture in his left thumb.
The PCB said fast bowler **Mohammad Wasim Jr.** has been added to the squad as his replacement. Salman Mirza is expected to regain full fitness by the first week of October.
The men’s T20 cricket competition at the Asian Games is scheduled to begin on **September 24**.
The 10-team men’s competition features India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Afghanistan and hosts Japan, who have qualified directly. Nepal, Malaysia, Hong Kong and Oman will compete in the qualifying round.
Led by **Sahibzada Farhan**, Pakistan will play their first quarter-final on **September 28** against a team from the qualifying round.
Pakistan’s men’s cricket squad assembled in Karachi on Sunday, where a training camp will be held at the **Hanif Mohammad High Performance Centre from September 21 to 24**.
The team is scheduled to depart for Japan on the night of **September 24**.
