"I've right to play for Pakistan" - Sahibzada Farhan attacks PCB, calls for fair opportunity as opener

Pakistan Shaheens’ captain Sahibzada Farhan expressed his frustration over not being given a fair opportunity as an opener in the senior national team. Sahibzada Farhan stated that he hasn't received 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 captain of the Pakistan Shaheens for their red-ball tour of Australia. The 28-year-old, known for his experience and batting heroics, will lead the red ball team in two four-day matches against Bangladesh A in Darwin, starting July 19.

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

Speaking at a pre-departure press conference, Farhan highlighted the lack of consistent opportunities to showcase his skills. Farhan emphasized the need for fair chances to establish a strong bench for Pakistan. He said that he deserved to play for Pakistan, considering his performances over the last three years.

“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

Sahibzada Farhan said that the tour of Australia is a key opportunity for players to display their skills. Farhan also mentioned that his confidence remains intact despite not yet receiving the chance to open. He noted that his confidence could be affected if failed to perform after being given 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.

Pakistan’s red-ball head coach, Jason Gillespie, will join the Pakistan Shaheens in Darwin to provide guidance until he shifts focus to coaching Pakistan's 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.

The 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-over 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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