Tag: Sahibzada Farhan

Islamabad United opener Sahibzada Farhan is making the most of his chances in the ongoing Pakistan Super League (PSL) season 10, and with every outing, he’s pushing his case for a return to the national side.

Farhan, who wasn’t picked in the initial PSL Player Draft this season, forced his way into the Islamabad United setup after a strong domestic season. In an interview with PCB Digital, he credited his National T20 Cup performance as the turning point.

“I had performed well in the National T20 and knew there were a few spots up for grabs,” he said. “Credit to Islamabad United for showing faith and picking me.”

The right-handed batter emerged as the top scorer in the National T20 Cup, piling up 605 runs in just seven innings at a staggering strike rate of 189.66 and an average of 121.

Catch all the PSL 10 updates here!

He’s carried that red-hot form into the PSL, scoring 245 runs in six matches so far at a strike rate of 161.18, including a century and a fifty.

“I’ve been performing consistently over the last four years,” Farhan said. “My four-day cricket performances over the past two seasons were top-notch, and I also did well in the recent One-Day tournament.”

“Now, I’m working specifically on my strike rate. If I get another chance to play for Pakistan, I want to show improvement there.”

Sahibzada Farhan praised the team environment at Islamabad United and credited the management and senior players for giving him the freedom to express himself.

“They have given me a free hand and allowed me to play my natural game. Sometimes, Shadab Khan and Salman Ali Agha talk to me in the nets, but I am trying to execute the shots which I have played in the previous events,” he added.

Follow us on our Official WhatsApp channel

Farhan is no stranger to the United camp, having represented the franchise in 2018 and 2019. He says returning to the side felt like coming home.

“Islamabad United is not a new side for me. I have played for them twice before and know Shadab both as a captain and as a player. I am enjoying my time here and trying to improve my batting with each passing day,” Farhan stated.

With United sitting at the top of the PSL X points table, five wins from six matches, Farhan remains focused on the bigger goal.

“We’re not relaxing after five wins. The tournament is still on, and our eyes are on the playoffs,” he concluded.

READ: Saud Shakeel reveals he faces up to ‘1000 balls’ daily in practice

Islamabad United opener Sahibzada Farhan has made it clear that he is eyeing a comeback to the national team, after a phenomenal domestic season and consistent form in the ongoing Pakistan Super League (PSL) season 10.

Speaking in an exclusive interview with a local news channel, Farhan expressed his desire to reclaim a permanent place in the national setup, stressing that he’s aiming for stability, not a brief stint.

“My goal is to play for Pakistan again and stay in the team for the long term, not just for one or two matches,” Farhan said. “When I return, I want to cement my place, not just make a brief appearance.”

Farhan’s resurgence started in the National T20 Cup, where he hammered 605 runs in just seven innings, including three centuries and two fifties. That dominant run not only boosted his confidence but also helped him earn a late PSL pick after initially being overlooked in the draft.

Follow us on our Official WhatsApp channel

“Scoring a century early in the National T20 gave me a huge boost,” he said. “I had planned to dominate that tournament to grab attention for PSL selection, and thankfully, that form has carried forward.”

Islamabad United picked Sahibzada Farhan in the supplementary category, and he has since repaid the faith with consistent performances at the top of the order.

The opener believes his PSL form has silenced those who previously labelled him a “domestic-only” performer.

“People used to say I only score in domestic cricket, but I’ve proven them wrong in PSL,” he stated. “Performing in such a high-profile league makes a strong case for international selection.”

Catch all the PSL 10 updates here!

Farhan also emphasised the quality of PSL as a stepping stone for international cricket, highlighting how it helps players mentally and technically prepare for the pressures of representing Pakistan.

“The level of competition here is intense, facing top bowlers in PSL prepares you for the pressures of playing for Pakistan,” he added. “If you perform here, it becomes easier to adjust at the international level.”

Known for his aggressive approach at the top, Farhan isn’t resting on past performances. He’s already set his sights on more centuries this season, not just to break records, but to play a key role in Islamabad United’s campaign.

“I can’t relax after one or two performances, I always push for more,” he said. “My aim is to score at least one or two more centuries this PSL to break the record for most T20 centuries in a calendar year and help my team win.”

READ: John Cena creates history with iconic win over Cody Rhodes at WrestleMania 41

Former Pakistan all-rounder Mohammad Hafeez shared key advice for top-order batters Usman Khan and Sahibzada Farhan to succeed at the international level and cement a permanent place in the national T20I team.

The former captain recently launched a fan-engagement campaign titled #AskProfessor on his official X (formerly Twitter) account, where he responded to questions from cricket followers, offering insights into various aspects of Pakistan cricket.

During the session, Hafeez didn’t hold back from praising young batting talents Abdullah Shafique and Saim Ayub, calling them the future of Pakistan cricket.

“Abdullah Shafiq & Saim Ayub are the future of Pakistan cricket. May they stay away from all distractions,” he wrote.

Despite Pakistan’s recent run of inconsistent performances, Hafeez made it clear that he continues to back the Men in Green with full passion.

Catch all the PSL 10 updates here!

“It hurts as a fan when Pakistan doesn’t do well, but I support them unconditionally and always want the team to succeed,” he shared.

When asked about the highly debated topic of Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan’s place in the T20 side, Mohammad Hafeez acknowledged their past contributions but advised them to evolve with the modern game.

“Babar and Rizwan are quality players who have played vital roles in winning matches for Pakistan. They just need to upgrade their approach and skills to become more impactful. They have the talent to do that.”

Hafeez also stood up for Mohammad Rizwan, who has recently been the target of online criticism for his English-speaking skills.

“Sad to see people shaming a star for his language ability. Very sad,” he remarked.

Follow us on our Official WhatsApp channel

When questioned about what advice he would offer to Babar Azam, Hafeez gave a short but meaningful response: “Keep learning.”

On the Usman Khan vs Sahibzada Farhan debate, Hafeez didn’t pick one over the other but stressed that both need to focus on their fundamentals to thrive at the top level.

“First thing [that] gets challenged at professional level is ur TECHNIQUE. Need to improve it every day,” he stated.

Looking ahead to the ICC T20 World Cup 2026, Hafeez placed his confidence in Saim Ayub as one of Pakistan’s opening batters, reiterating his belief in the left-hander’s potential.

READ: Arsenal knock out holders Real Madrid to reach Champions League semis

RAWALPINDI: Islamabad United opening batter Sahibzada Farhan made history with his sublime century against Peshawar Zalmi in the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 10 on Monday.

The right-handed batter scored 106 runs off 52 balls, featuring 13 fours and five sixes. His innings made him the first Pakistani batter to record four T20 centuries in a calendar year within just nine innings.

Sahibzada Farhan also became the fifth player in the world to achieve this feat, joining Indian batting maestro Virat Kohli, Chris Gayle, Jos Buttler, and Shubman Gill.

Catch all the PSL 10 updates here!

Players with Four T20 Hundreds in a Calendar Year:

• Chris Gayle (2011)
• Virat Kohli (2016)
• Jos Buttler (2022)
• Shubman Gill (2023)
• Sahibzada Farhan (2025)

Sahibzada Farhan’s century helped Islamabad United post a formidable total of 244 in their allocated 20 overs.

Opting to bat first, United did not have the best start, as their opener Andries Gous was run out, thanks to brilliant fielding from Tom Kohler-Cadmore.

Follow us on our Official WhatsApp channel

Following the early wicket, Sahibzada Farhan and Colin Munro partnered to forge a massive 144-run partnership of 72 balls.

Sahibazada Farhan led the charge with his eye-catching knock of 106 runs off 52 balls. The right-hander struck 13 fours and five massive sixes in his first PSL century. His partner, Munro, was equally good with his 40 off 27 balls, striking six fours and one maximum.

Both batters were dismissed in the 13th over, giving Zalmi a glimmer of hope to restrict the score under 200. However, their solid foundation was sufficient for the incoming batters, Salman Agha and Jason Holder, to finish strongly.

Agha scored quick fire 30 off 15 deliveries, striking two fours and sixes, before being dismissed while Holder remained unbeaten on 20 off 11 deliveries, smashing two fours and one six.

For Peshawar Zalmi, Alzarri Joseph and Hussain Talat bagged two wickets.

READ: PSL 10: Sahibzada’s century powers Islamabad United to 243 against Peshawar Zalmi

Sahibzada Farhan has etched his name alongside Fakhar Zaman in the record books with a breathtaking display of batting during the ongoing National T20 Cup.

The 29-year-old opening batter has taken the National T20 Cup by storm, amassing 588 runs in just six innings.

His scorching form has seen him surpass his own previous record for the most runs in a single National T20 Cup season, which stood at 492 runs in 12 innings.

Farhan has also matched Fakhar Zaman’s national record for the most runs in a single edition of a T20 tournament. However, what makes his feat even more remarkable is the pace at which he achieved it.

Fakhar set the record during the 2022 Pakistan Super League (PSL) in 13 innings, whereas Farhan has equaled that tally in less than half the matches.

Follow us on our Official WhatsApp channel

His latest innings, a blistering 148* in the semi-final against Abbottabad, was yet another demonstration of his sheer dominance, powering Peshawar into the tournament’s final with ease.

Sahibzada Farhan has been relentless throughout the National T20 Cup, starting with an unbeaten 114 against Lahore Whites before carrying his form forward with knocks of 62, 76, 162*, 26, and now 148*.

His 162* against Quetta was a standout performance, not just in this tournament but in Pakistan’s T20 history, as it broke Kamran Akmal’s eight-year-old record of the highest individual T20 score by a Pakistani batter.

With such dominant performances, Farhan is making a strong case for a return to the national setup. The 29-year-old has played nine T20Is for Pakistan but has struggled to cement his place.

READ: New Zealand star batter ruled out of Pakistan ODIs, replacement named

FAISALABAD: A sensational century from Sahibzada Farhan and an all-round bowling effort helped Peshawar cruise into the National T20 Cup final with a dominant win in the first semifinal against Abbottabad at Iqbal Stadium here on Wednesday.

Batting first after being put in, Peshawar Region posted a mammoth 243/3 in their 20 overs, completely dismantling Abbottabad’s bowling attack.

The charge was led by Farhan’s breathtaking 148 off just 72 balls, an innings packed with 10 fours and 12 sixes, striking at a staggering 205.56.

Sahibzada Farhan found early support from Waqar Ahmed, who contributed a steady 34 off 27 balls before departing at 116/1 in the 12th over. Maaz Sadaqat then kept the momentum going with a quickfire 31 off 17 balls, laced with four boundaries and a six.

But it was the final flourish that made Peshawar’s total even more daunting. Muhammad Amir Barki smashed 20 off just five balls, striking at 400, while Iftikhar Ahmed remained unbeaten on 2 as they finished in commanding fashion.

Abbottabad’s bowlers had no answers, with Shahab Khan, Yasir Shah, and Ahmed Khan managing a wicket each. Their cause wasn’t helped by eight extras, including six wides and two no-balls.

Follow us on our Official WhatsApp channel

Chasing 244, Abbottabad needed a near-perfect start, and Shahzaib Khan provided hope with a fighting 53 off 43 balls, hitting six fours and two sixes.

Sajjad Ali Hashmi played an aggressive 37 off just 22 balls at a strike rate of 168.18, but his dismissal at 74 in the 7th over halted the momentum.

A brief counterattack from Afaq Ahmed (14 off 6) and Khayam Khan (13 off 6) kept the scoreboard ticking, but the middle order crumbled under pressure.

Atizaz Habib Khan (5), Ahmed Khan (2), and Kamran Ghulam (2) failed to make an impact as wickets kept tumbling.

Khalid Usman (17 off 10) and Shahab Khan (32 off 17)* added some late resistance, but it was too little, too late. Abbottabad eventually finished at 187/8, falling 56 runs short.

For Peshawar, Usman Tariq, Mohammad Imran Jr., Israrullah, and Iftikhar Ahmed took two wickets each, ensuring a comfortable win and sealing a spot in the National T20 Cup final.

READ: Two players added to Pakistan ODI squad for New Zealand series

FAISALABAD: Sahibzada Farhan stamped his authority in National T20 Cup 2024-25 with a record-breaking 162* against Quetta to confirm Peshawar Region’s Quarter-final berth at the Multan Cricket Stadium on Friday.

The 32-match group stage of the National T20 Cup 2024-25 came to an end with Lahore Whites, Peshawar Region, Karachi Region Whites and Lahore Region Blues qualifying for the Quarter-final.

Lahore Whites finished top of Group A as they defeated Karachi Blues at the Multan Cricket Stadium by eight runs while defending 146, courtesy player of the match Ubaid Shah’s three-wicket burst.

After being asked to bat, Lahore Whites managed to score 146-9 in their 20 overs. Mohammad Mohsin scored a 38-ball 47 inclusive of four boundaries and one six. Karachi Blues’ Mohammad Hamza returned figures of  3-35 in his four overs.

In reply, Ubaid Shah (4-0-27-3) led the Lahore Whites’ charge as Karachi Blues were restricted to 138-9 in 20 overs. Mohammad Salman pitched in with two wickets.

In Group A Lahore Whites, Peshawar and Karachi Blues finished with six points each. Blues missed out on qualification to the next stage due to lesser net run-rate than the other two teams.

Lahore Whites’ win earlier in the day meant Peshawar needed to win their game by a handsome margin to secure their quarter-final berth. Sahibzada Farhan broke multiple records with his unbeaten 162 off 72 balls, to ensure that his side went through.

After batting first, Peshawar were lifted to 239 in their 20 overs. Sahibzada Farhan, following his impressive form with two half-centuries and a century, scored an outstanding 162 not out, the highest individual score in T20s in Pakistan, which included 14 fours and 11 sixes.

In return, Quetta kept losing wickets at regular intervals and were eventually bundled out for 113 in 19.3 overs.

Follow us on our Official WhatsApp channel

Abdul Wahid Bangalzai scored a 47-ball 46 while Usman Tariq returned figures of 4-0-17-4. Nizar Ali (4-0-22-3) and Mohammad Imran Jnr (3.3-0-11-2) shared five wickets between them.

At the Iqbal Stadium in Faisalabad, Shan Masood’s half-century ensured Karachi Whites finished top of their group and kept the four-match unbeaten streak intact.

After being put to bat first, Karachi Whites put 182-5 on the board in the allotted 20 overs, courtesy of a 91-run second-wicket partnership between Shan Masood (51, 30b, 4x4s, 3x6s) and Haroon Arshad (44, 36b, 7x4s).

Wicketkeeper-batter Saad Baig (36 not out, 21b, 6x4s) and Mohamad Taha (30 not out, 21b, 3x4s) stitched a valuable unbeaten 63-run stand for the sixth wicket. Bahawalpur’s Mohammad Faizan bagged 3-13 in his four overs.

In reply, Bahawalpur fell 17 runs shy as they managed to score 165-5 in their 20 overs. Mohammad Faizan Zafar scored a 42-ball 56 including four boundaries and three sixes, but in vain. Mir Hamza collected two wickets.

Karachi Whites’ win earlier in the day meant that the second Group B fixture between Lahore Blues and Islamabad virtually became a knockout game, as the winner would go through to the quarter-finals of the National T20 Cup.

While chasing 119, Imran Butt’s unbeaten 53-ball 63 including nine fours, guaranteed Lahore Blues a quarter-finals berth.

Batting first, Islamabad were restricted to 118-9 in 20 overs. Captain Rohail Nazir top-scored with 39 off 32 including three fours and one six. Hussain Talat starred with the ball as he picked up 4-14 in three overs.

The quarter-finals will be played on 23 and 24 March at the Iqbal Stadium, Faisalabad with the first match of each day scheduled to begin at 7 pm PKT.

READ: Sahibzada Farhan smashes joint third-highest T20 score ever in National T20 Cup

Former Pakistan captain Salman Butt has criticised top-order batter Sahibzada Farhan for his repeated failures in the recently concluded T20I series against Australia.

The Green Shirts suffered a humiliating whitewash in the three-match series, mainly courtesy of the team’s below-par batting performance.

Farhan made his return to the team during the series, having last played in the T20I series against New Zealand earlier this year, however, he failed to impress particularly struggling against short-pitched deliveries.

In a dismal display of batting, he scored just 22 runs across three innings at a strike rate of 104.76, with his highest score being a mere nine.

However, what made his shortcomings even more remarkable was the identical nature of his dismissals in all three matches.

He consistently attempted to execute a pull shot against the short-pitched deliveries from Spencer Johnson, only to find himself caught by Xavier Bartlett at mid-wicket each time.

Follow us on our Official WhatsApp channel

Salman Butt, in a video on his YouTube channel, after the third T20I, expressed his concerns about Farhan’s struggles against pace and bounce.

“He was late on the ball. After getting out once or twice, a batter realizes that he’s late on a particular shot, especially here [in Australia], where there is steep bounce and the new ball is coming at pace,” said Butt.

The former captain pointed out that Sahibzada Farhan failed to adjust his technique and kept getting out in a similar way, which highlights his limitations.

“You either avoid such deliveries or if you can’t avoid them, you take a single towards third man on such short-pitched balls. But if you keep getting out playing the same shot in the same way, it means your shot selection is limited,” he added.

Salman Butt further emphasized that Farhan’s struggles serve as a poignant reminder that not all players who excel in domestic cricket are ready for international cricket.

“This shows that not everyone who scores runs in domestic cricket is necessarily an international material,” he concluded.

READ: Imam-ul-Haq comes out in support of Babar Azam

Pakistan Shaheens under the leadership of Sahibzada Farhan will take on Bangladesh ‘A’ in the first of the two four-day matches in Darwin, Australia on 19 July.

The second four-day match will commence next Friday, 26 July, which will be followed by two One-Day matches on 4 and 6 August, and then the nine-team Top End T20 series from 9-18 August.

This is the first time since 2008 that the two development sides of Pakistan and Bangladesh will play against each other. Sixteen years ago, the Pakistan Academy side toured Bangladesh and won both matches by eight wickets against Bangladesh Academy.

Pakistan Shaheens arrived in Darwin on 15 July after undergoing a six-day intensive training camp at the Hanif Mohammad High-Performance Centre in Karachi under the supervision of Pakistan men’s red-ball head coach Jason Gillespie.

This will be Pakistan Shaheen’s third red-ball series in as many years, having toured Sri Lanka and Zimbabwe for two four-day matches each in 2021 and 2023, respectively.

On the last red-ball tour to Zimbabwe, Mehran Mumtaz was the standout bowler with 15 wickets, while Omair bin Yousuf racked up 348 runs.

Among the current squad, Haseebullah, Kamran Ghulam, Khurram Shahzad, Mehran Mumtaz, Mohammad Ali, Mohammad Huraira, Omair bin Yousuf and Shahnawaz Dahani have previously represented the Shaheens in red-ball cricket, while  Ali, Khurram and Umar have also featured in Test matches for Pakistan.

Follow us on our Official WhatsApp channel

The two four-day matches against Bangladesh ‘A’ in Darwin will be pivotal for the players as these will provide the much-needed experience and exposure ahead of a busy red-ball season, which includes Tests against Bangladesh, England, South Africa and West Indies from August 2024 to January 2025.

Pakistan Shaheens’ captain Sahibzada Farhan acknowledged that Bangladesh A is a strong side that will challenge his team, however, he expressed confidence in his side’s preparations.

“I’m delighted to be leading the Pakistan Shaheens side in the series and I look forward to an exciting challenge that the Bangladesh ‘A’ team poses in what will be new playing conditions for us,” said Farhan.

“The team has prepared very well in the Karachi camp and the training sessions in Darwin have been helpful in acclimatising to the conditions.

“The presence of Jason Gillespie is a huge boost for the talented bunch of players and we are eager to prove our mettle in both the four-day matches.”

Pakistan Shaheens squad: Sahibzada Farhan (c), Faisal Akram, Haseebullah, Kamran Ghulam, Kashif Ali, Khurram Shahzad, Mehran Mumtaz, Mohammad Ali, Mohammad Huraira, Mubasir Khan, Muhammad Irfan Khan, Omair Bin Yousuf, Shahnawaz Dahani, Tayyab Tahir and Umar Amin.

Bangladesh ‘A’ squad: Mahmudul Hasan Joy (c), Aich Mollah, Amite Hasan, Ariful Islam, Hasan Murad, Mahidul Islam Ankon, Maruf Mridha, Md Mukidul Islam, Parvez Hossain Emon, Rakibul Hasan, Rezaur Rehman Raja, Ripon Mondal, Sahadat Hossain Dipu, Shadaman Islam and Sk Pervez Rahman Jobon

WATCH: Babar Azam, Fakhar Zaman struggle against Naseem Shah’s brother

Pakistan Shaheens’ captain Sahibzada Farhan on Friday expressed his frustration over not getting a fair chance as an opener for the senior team.

Farhan is set to lead Pakistan Shaheens’ red-ball team in two four-day matches against Bangladesh ‘A’ on the upcoming tour of Darwin.

During Shaheens’ pre-departure press conference, the top-order batter expressed gratitude for being appointed as the captain of the squad earlier today.

The 28-year-old Farhan has played five T20Is in Pakistan’s senior team, however, he believes he did not get a fair chance as a top-order batter.

He played three matches in 2018 as an opener, then had to wait for six years for his next game. On the New Zealand tour earlier this year, Farhan returned to the team but was given a chance at number five and number seven.

Sahibzada Farhan, while responding to a question during the press conference, shared his opinion over the sporadic chances he got, while expressing disappointment on the fact that he did not get enough opportunities as an opener.

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

Follow us on our Official WhatsApp channel

“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 managed only 60 runs in his five T20I appearances, however, he stated that lack of performance did not shake his confidence because he was not playing at his usual position.

“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,” Farhan shared.

He also advocated for more matches each year for Pakistan Shaheens’ and Pakistahn under-19 team in order to help build a strong bench strength for the national team.

Pakistan Shaheens will play two four-day matches against Bangladesh ‘A’, followed by a tri-series with the Northern Territory side and Bangladesh in Darwin. They will also participate in the nine-team Top End T20 Series.

The 15-member red-ball Shaheens’ squad will depart for Darwin in the wee hours of Saturday from Karachi via Dubai.

Pakistan Shaheens squad: Sahibzada Farhan (c), Haseebullah, Qasim Akram, Kamran Ghulam, Kashif Ali, Khurram Shahzad, Mehran Mumtaz, Mohammad Huraira, Mubasir Khan, Muhammad Irfan Khan, Omair Bin Yousuf, Shahnawaz Dahani, Tayyab Tahir, Umar Amin and Mohammad Ali.

Player Support Personnel – Jason Gillespie (head coach for red-ball matches), Abdul Rehman (head coach for white-ball matches), Mohammad Masroor (Assistant coach-cum-manager), Mohammad Asad (physiotherapist), Imranullah (trainer) and Usman Hashmi (analyst).

READ: ‘We need to take care of him’: Jason Gillespie on Shaheen Afridi’s workload