Sahibzada Farhan has responded to reports about his possible future as Pakistan’s T20I captain. He said he would be open to continuing in the role.
Farhan is currently leading Pakistan’s men’s cricket team at the Asian Games in Japan. He has been appointed captain for the upcoming T20 competition.
Speaking to the media, Sahibzada Farhan said continuing as captain would be a proud opportunity. However, he stressed that his immediate attention remains on the Asian Games.
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has not announced a permanent change in T20I leadership. Farhan’s current captaincy assignment is limited to the Asian Games tournament.
Pakistan head coach Mike Hesson recently discussed Farhan’s leadership opportunity. He said the Asian Games would provide valuable captaincy experience for the batter.
Hesson also said future leadership decisions would be taken later. The PCB and selection committee will assess the situation before making any decision.
Several media reports have linked the 30-year-old batter with Pakistan’s longer-term T20I leadership plans. His performance at the Asian Games could be considered during that process.
Sahibzada Farhan said he is not currently thinking about what happens after the tournament. He said his complete focus is on Pakistan’s campaign in Japan.
Pakistan will begin its Asian Games T20 campaign at the quarterfinal stage. The team’s first match is scheduled for September 28.
The semifinals will take place on October 1. The medal matches are scheduled for October 3.
Farhan will lead a squad containing both experienced players and emerging cricketers. Several members of the squad have yet to make their T20I debuts.
Akif Javed, Ali Raza, Maaz Sadaqat, and Saad Masood are among the uncapped players. Abdul Samad has been named vice-captain for the tournament.
Sahibzada Farhan has represented Pakistan in 46 T20Is. He said the squad’s lack of experience among some players was not a major concern.
He emphasized that performances should remain the main factor in team selection. Players who perform well, he said, earn opportunities to represent Pakistan.
Farhan also said he was confident in the players selected for the tournament. He expects everyone to focus on contributing to the team.
The captain also played down the prospect of a Pakistan-India clash. He said Pakistan would focus on its matches in the order they arrive.
The team has also prepared for the conditions expected in Japan. Pakistan anticipates facing slower pitches during the tournament.
During a four-day training camp in Karachi, players participated in scenario-based practice matches. The team also requested practice pitches that could replicate conditions in Japan.
Sahibzada Farhan said becoming captain would not change his approach to T20 cricket. He plans to maintain the same mindset whether leading or playing.
He also expects his teammates to follow a team-first approach. Pakistan will now concentrate on its Asian Games campaign.
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Any decision about Farhan’s future as Pakistan’s T20I captain will come later. For now, his leadership focus remains on the Asian Games competition in Japan.
