Pakistan 'well-prepared' for spin-friendly conditions in Aichi-Nagoya for Asian Games, says first-time captain Sahibzada Farhan

Pakistan's first-time captain, Sahibzada Farhan, has expressed confidence that his side is "well-prepared" for the spin-friendly conditions expected in Aichi-Nagoya during the ongoing men's cricket competition at the Asian Games.

The Green Brigade has made the most of head coach Mike Hesson's recent visit to the Asian Games venue. As part of his recce trip, Hesson gathered valuable information about the playing conditions in Aichi-Nagoya and shared his findings with the members of Pakistan's Asian Games squad.

The squad subsequently participated in a four-day preparatory camp training on surfaces designed to replicate the conditions expected at the Korogi Sports Park in Nisshin, Aichi-Nagoya. Farhan also revealed that the players took part in "scenario matches" to ensure they were battle-ready for their Asian Games campaign, which begins on September 28 with the quarterfinal stage.

"I don't often play sweeps or reverse sweeps, but I have worked on those shots during this camp," Farhan told the media on the final day of Pakistan's preparatory camp in Karachi. "We have tried to replicate the conditions we expect to encounter at the Asian Games and have focused on playing spin bowling more effectively. We also played two scenario matches, and the players are looking in good shape. We will not have much time to prepare once we arrive in Japan, so we have put in a lot of effort during this four-day camp to ensure we are fully prepared before landing there."

Pakistan have selected a youthful squad for the Asian Games, featuring several players who remain relatively untested at the international level. Only four players, Saim Ayub, Sahibzada Farhan, Abrar Ahmed, and Usman Khan, have been retained from Pakistan's T20 World Cup 2026 squad. Meanwhile, four members of the 15-player contingent, Akif Javed, Ali Raza, Saad Masood, and Maaz Sadaqat, are uncapped in the shortest format.

Despite the squad's relative inexperience at the highest level, Farhan believes the players have gained sufficient exposure through domestic cricket and the Pakistan Super League (PSL).

"It is not accurate to say that the players selected for the Asian Games are inexperienced," he added. "They have either represented Pakistan internationally or earned their place in the squad after proving themselves in domestic cricket and the PSL. I have a great deal of confidence in these players."