Pakistan Shaheens captain Sahibzada Farhan has expressed his frustration over not being given a fair chance as an opener in the senior national team. Sahibzada Farhan claimed that he has not been given a fair chance compared to others, despite his impressive performances as an opener in domestic cricket.
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has appointed Sahibzada Farhan as the captain of the Pakistan Shaheens for their red-ball tour of Australia. The 28-year-old, known for his batting experience and heroics, will lead the red-ball team in two four-day matches against Bangladesh A in Darwin, starting from July 19.
Farhan played five T20 internationals for Pakistan and scored 60 runs at an average of 12 and a strike rate of 96.8. The right-handed batsman has an impressive first-class record, scoring 4,401 runs with eight centuries and 27 fifties. Pakistan Shaheens will also compete in two 50-overs matches on the tour.
I have the right to play for Pakistan – Sahibzada Farhan
Speaking at a press conference ahead of his departure, Farhan highlighted the lack of consistent opportunities to showcase his skills. Farhan stressed the need for fair opportunities to establish a strong team in Pakistan. He said that he deserved to play for Pakistan, considering his performances in the last three years.
“I have always played as an opener and I want a chance at that position. I have not been given a fair chance like other players,” Farhan said.
“I am from Pakistan and I also play local cricket. I am eligible to play for Pakistan as an opener in my number where I have been playing well for the last 3 years,” he added.
My confidence has not wavered – Sahibzada Farhan
Sahibzada Farhan said that the Australian tour is a key opportunity for the players to showcase their skills. Farhan also mentioned that his confidence is still intact despite not having received the opportunity to open the tournament yet. He pointed out that his confidence could be shaken if he fails to perform after receiving the opportunity.
“My confidence hasn’t been shaken because I haven’t been given the opportunity to play at my level. If I get the chance to open for the team and then I don’t perform, my confidence could go down. Right now, I haven’t had the opportunity I was hoping for,” Farhan added.
Pakistan head coach Jason Gillespie will join the Pakistan Shaheens in Darwin to provide guidance until he shifts his focus to coaching the Pakistan national team for the Test series against Bangladesh. After the second four-day match, Gillespie will return to Pakistan to prepare for the upcoming series.
Pakistan Shaheens will play two four-day matches against Bangladesh ‘A’ from July 19-22 and July 26-29 in Darwin. They will also play two 50-overs matches at the same venue. They will face the Northern Territory on August 4, followed by the 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.
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