Sahibzada Farhan calls for fair chance in Pakistan senior team

Sahibzada Farhan voices frustration over limited opportunities as opener for senior team

Pakistan Shaheens’ captain Sahibzada Farhan has expressed his frustration over not getting a fair chance as an opener for the senior team, reported 24NewsHD TV channel.

 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 for Pakistan’s senior team but 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.

Responding to a question during the press conference, Farhan shared his opinion on the sporadic chances he got, expressing disappointment 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,” he added.

“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 three years.”

Farhan 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.

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