Sahibzada Farhan seeks fair opportunity as Pakistan's opener

Farhan emphasized the importance of the first two matches and highlighted the rigorous preparations the team has undertaken

PHOTO: PCB

Pakistan Shaheens skipper Sahibzada Farhan has voiced his optimism about the upcoming tour of Australia, describing it as a significant opportunity for the players to showcase their talents.

Speaking to the media in Karachi, Farhan emphasized the importance of the first two matches and highlighted the rigorous preparations the team has undertaken.

Farhan noted that the tour of Australia presents a valuable chance for the players of Pakistan Shaheens, particularly with a focus on the first two matches. He added that the selectors are keenly aware of the team's needs and will make player selections accordingly.

Farhan has five T20 international appearances for Pakistan and brings valuable experience to his leadership role with the Shaheens. However, he made it clear that he has not received any signals about captaining the national team.

“My confidence hasn’t shaken because I haven’t been given a chance at my number. If I get the chance to open and then I fail to perform well, then my confidence might go down. Right now, I haven’t gotten the right opportunity that I’ve been waiting for,” he said.

The captain also spoke about the extensive work done on fitness and fielding during their training camp.

Farhan expressed his desire to play as an opener if given the chance to join the Pakistan national team, emphasizing his ambition to perform across all formats of the game.

“I’ve always played as an opener and want a chance at that position. I haven’t been given a fair chance at my number like other guys have,” Farhan said.

“I’m from Pakistan and I also play domestic cricket here. I have the right to play for Pakistan as an opener at my number, where I’ve been performing well for the last 3 years,” he added.

In preparation for the tour, one notable change has been made to the 15-member squad. Pacer Hunain Shah has been sidelined due to an injury, and Qasim Akram has been called up as his replacement.

Head Coach Jason Gillespie will accompany the team to Darwin, overseeing their operations until he transitions to coaching Pakistan's national team for their upcoming Test series against Bangladesh.

The BCB High-Performance Unit will begin their extensive tour with two four-day matches against Pakistan Shaheens in Darwin, starting from July 19.

The tour commences on July 13 and concludes with participation in the Northern Territory's T20 Series, featuring Pakistan Shaheens and prominent teams from the Big Bash League.

Pakistan Shaheens squad:

Captain Sahibzada Farhan - Haseebullah, Qasim Akram, Mohammad Irfan Khan, Mohammad Ali, Kamran Ghulam, Kashif Ali, Khurram Shahzad, Mehran Mumtaz, Mohammad Hurraira, Mubasir Khan, Omair bin Yousuf, Shahnawaz Dahani, Tayyab Tahir, and Umar Amin

BCB HP squads:

Four Day team: Shadman Islam, Mahmudul Hasan Joy (capt), Parvez Hossain Emon, Amite Hasan, Sahadat Hossain Dipu (vice capt), Ariful Islam, Mahidul Islam Ankon, Aich Mollah, Rakibul Hasan, Sk Peavez Rahman Jibon, Hasan Murad, Rezaur Rahman Raja, Md Mukidul Islam, Ripon Mondol, Maruf Mridha

One Day team: Tanzid Hasan, Jisan Alam, Parvez Hossain Emon, Afif Hasan (capt), Shamim Hossain Patwari, Ariful Islam, Akbar Ali (vice capt), Wasi Siddique, Rakibul Hasan, Sk Peavez Rahman Jibon, Mahfusur Rahman Rabbi, Abu Haider Rony, Md Mukidul Islam, Ripon Mondol, Maruf Mridha

T20 team: Tanzid Hasan Tamim, Jisan Alam, Parvez Hossain Emon, Afif Hasan, Shamim Hossain Patwari, Ariful Islam, Akbar Ali (capt), Wasi Siddique, Rakibul Hasan, Allis Islam, Mahfusur Rahman Rabbi (vice capt), Abu Haider Rony, Md Mukidul Islam, Ripon Mondol, Maruf Mridha

Pakistan Shaheens’ schedule (all matches in Darwin):