Sahibzada Farhan has indicated he is open to continuing as Pakistan T20I captain after the Asian Games, suggesting a possible longer-term leadership role for the 30-year-old batter. Farhan, who was appointed captain for Pakistan’s men’s cricket campaign at the Asian Games in Japan, said on Thursday that he would consider it a “proud moment” if given the chance to lead the national side in the future.
“If I get the opportunity, why not continue in the future as well?” Farhan said during a media talk on the sidelines of Pakistan’s pre-departure training camp at the National Bank Stadium. His comments came as the Pakistan Cricket Board has not publicly confirmed a permanent change in the T20 leadership.
Head coach Mike Hesson said on Wednesday that Farhan’s appointment for the Asian Games was an opportunity for him to gain captaincy experience and that his future in the role would be a matter for the PCB and selection committee to decide later. According to media reports, however, the PCB is believed to be considering Farhan as part of a longer-term T20 leadership plan, with the upcoming Asian Games campaign to be among the factors assessed before a decision is taken.
For now, Farhan was keen to keep the focus firmly on the assignment in Japan, where Pakistan enter the 10-team T20 competition at the quarter-final stage. Their first match is scheduled for Sept 28, with the semi-finals on Oct 1 and the medal matches on Oct 3.
“Right now, the entire focus is on the Asian Games,” Farhan 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.”
Farhan’s elevation comes as Pakistan look to develop a younger T20 core. The squad contains four players yet to make their T20I debuts — Akif Javed, Ali Raza, Maaz Sadaqat and Saad Masood — while Abdul Samad has been named vice-captain. Farhan, who has represented Pakistan in limited-overs cricket, will be expected to lead a relatively inexperienced side in a high-pressure tournament.
The Asian Games T20 competition will provide Farhan with a platform to demonstrate his leadership credentials. A strong showing could strengthen his case for a longer stint as T20I captain, especially if the PCB decides to move on from the previous leadership setup. However, the board has maintained a cautious stance, with Hesson’s remarks indicating that any decision will be made after the tournament.
Pakistan’s campaign begins at the quarter-final stage, meaning Farhan’s side will have little margin for error. The team’s preparations at the National Bank Stadium have focused on adapting to conditions in Japan and integrating new players into the setup. Farhan’s ability to manage a young squad and make tactical decisions under pressure will be closely watched.
For Farhan, the immediate priority is clear: deliver at the Asian Games. “I have been made captain for the Asian Games, so that is where my attention is,” he said. “We will see what happens later.” His willingness to continue beyond the tournament, coupled with the PCB’s reported long-term planning, suggests that the coming weeks could shape the future of Pakistan’s T20 leadership.
Source: Dawn News