Sahibzada Farhan, captain of Pakistan Shaheens, voiced his frustration over the lack of equitable opportunities to showcase his skills as an opener in the national team. Despite his strong performances in domestic cricket, Farhan emphasized that he has not been afforded the same chances as others.
Farhan played five T20 international matches for Pakistan and scored 60 runs at an average of 12 and a strike rate of 96.8. The right-hand batter has an impressive first-class record, scoring 4,401 runs with eight centuries and 27 fifties. The Pakistan Shaheens will also compete in two 50-over matches on the tour.
I Have The Right To Play For Pakistan – Sahibzada Farhan
During a press conference before departing, Farhan underscored the inconsistency in opportunities to demonstrate his abilities. He stressed the importance of fair chances to bolster Pakistan’s talent pool, citing his consistent performances over the past three years as grounds for his inclusion in the national team.
“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.
My Confidence Hasn’t Shaken – Sahibzada Farhan
According to Sahibzada Farhan, the upcoming Australia tour presents a crucial platform for players to showcase their abilities. Despite not yet being given the chance to open, Farhan expressed unwavering confidence in his skills. He acknowledged that his confidence might be shaken if he fails to perform after being granted the opportunity.
“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 added.
Jason Gillespie, the head coach for Pakistan’s red-ball cricket, is set to join the Pakistan Shaheens squad during their stint in Darwin. He will provide his expertise until transitioning to coaching the national team for the Test series against Bangladesh. Gillespie’s tenure with the Shaheens will conclude after the second four-day match, after which he will return to Pakistan to prepare for the upcoming series.
During their time in Darwin, the Pakistan Shaheens are scheduled to compete in two four-day matches against Bangladesh ‘A’ from July 19-22 and July 26-29. Additionally, they will participate in two 50-over matches at the same venue. Following these fixtures, they will face Northern Territory on August 4, followed by another match against Bangladesh ‘A’ on August 6.
Pakistan Shaheens Squad: Sahibzada Farhan (captain), 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.
