Sahibzada Farhan has responded to reports linking him with the long-term Pakistan T20I captaincy, saying he would be willing to continue in the role if given the opportunity after the Asian Games.
Farhan, who has been appointed captain of Pakistan’s men’s cricket team for the Asian Games in Japan, said it would be a proud moment to lead the national side in the future.
“If I get the opportunity, why not continue in the future as well?” Farhan said while speaking to the media during Pakistan’s pre-departure training camp at the National Bank Stadium.
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has not officially announced any permanent change in the T20I leadership. Head coach Mike Hesson said on Wednesday that the Asian Games would give Farhan an opportunity to gain captaincy experience, while any decision regarding his future in the role would be made later by the PCB and the selection committee.
Media reports have suggested that the 30-year-old batter is being considered as part of Pakistan’s longer-term T20I leadership plans, with his performance at the Asian Games expected to be among the factors assessed before a final decision is made.
Farhan, however, said he was not thinking about what could happen after the tournament and remained focused on Pakistan’s campaign in Japan.
“Right now, the entire focus is on the Asian Games,” he said. “I cannot say anything about what happens afterwards because my entire focus is on this tournament. I have been made captain for the Asian Games, so that is where my attention is. We will see what happens later.”
Pakistan will enter the 10-team T20 competition at the quarterfinal stage, with their first match scheduled for Sept. 28. The semifinals will be played on Oct. 1, followed by the medal matches on Oct. 3.
Farhan will lead a squad featuring a mix of experienced and emerging players as Pakistan looks to develop a younger T20 core. Akif Javed, Ali Raza, Maaz Sadaqat and Saad Masood are yet to make their T20I debuts, while Abdul Samad has been appointed vice-captain.
Having represented Pakistan in 46 T20Is, Farhan said the relative inexperience of some players was not a concern and stressed that performances would remain the key factor.
“Senior or junior does not matter. The players who perform are the ones who make the team,” he said. “As captain, I am confident because the players who succeed are the ones who are in form and come into the team after performing.”
Sahibzada Farhan also played down the possibility of Pakistan placing too much emphasis on a potential meeting with India, saying the team would focus on one match at a time.
“The India match comes later. Before that, we have other matches to play. It is not necessary for us to focus entirely on the India match,” he said.
Pakistan has also prepared for the unfamiliar conditions expected in Japan. Farhan said the team had requested practice pitches designed to replicate the slower conditions they expect during the tournament and had played scenario-based matches during its four-day camp in Karachi.
Sahibzada Farhan further added that being named captain would not change his approach to T20 cricket.
“Whether I am captain or a player, I will have the same mindset and play according to what T20 cricket requires,” he said. “I expect the same from my players. They should play for the team and help Pakistan win matches.”
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