Karachi, September 24, 2026: Pakistan’s Asian Games T20 captain Sahibzada Farhan has said he would be willing to continue in the leadership role beyond the tournament if given the opportunity, although the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has not announced any permanent change in T20 captaincy.
Farhan, who has been appointed captain for Pakistan’s men’s cricket campaign at the Asian Games in Japan, said it would be a matter of pride for him 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 interaction on the sidelines of Pakistan’s pre-departure training camp at the National Bank Stadium.
Pakistan head coach Mike Hesson said on Wednesday that Farhan’s appointment for the Asian Games would provide him with captaincy experience, while any decision on his future in the role would be taken by the PCB and selection committee.
Media reports have suggested that the PCB is considering Farhan as part of a longer-term T20 leadership plan, with his performance during the Asian Games potentially among the factors in the decision.
Farhan, however, said his immediate focus remained on the Asian Games, where Pakistan will enter the 10-team T20 competition at the quarter-final stage. Pakistan’s first match is scheduled for September 28, followed by the semi-finals on October 1 and medal matches on October 3.
“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.”
Farhan’s appointment comes as Pakistan seek to develop a younger T20 squad. Four players — Akif Javed, Ali Raza, Maaz Sadaqat and Saad Masood — are yet to make their T20I debuts, while Abdul Samad has been named vice-captain.
The 30-year-old Farhan, who has represented Pakistan in 46 T20Is, expressed confidence in the squad despite the relative inexperience of several players.
“Senior or junior does not matter. The players who perform are the ones who make the team,” he said.
Farhan also played down the prospect of Pakistan becoming overly focused on a potential match against India, saying the team would approach the tournament one game 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 have also prepared for the slower conditions expected in Japan. Farhan said the team had requested practice wickets designed to replicate the anticipated conditions and played scenario-based matches during its four-day training camp in Karachi.
The PCB said the team would depart for Japan on Thursday night after completing the pre-departure camp.
Farhan added that his approach would remain unchanged whether he was captain or an ordinary member of the squad.
“Whether I am captain or a player, I will have the same mindset and play according to what T20 cricket requires,” he said, urging his teammates to prioritise the team and help Pakistan win matches.
