Pakistan’s T20I captain for the 2026 Asian Games, Sahibzada Farhan, has set his sights on winning the gold medal at the Games in Japan, saying the team will approach every match with equal focus and take the tournament one game at a time.
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Speaking to the media ahead of Pakistan’s opening match, Farhan acknowledged that the weather and playing conditions in Japan would be different from those the players are accustomed to in Pakistan. However, he said the team had prepared with those conditions in mind.
“The conditions in Japan are different. We practised in Pakistan keeping the conditions here in mind. The conditions and weather are not in our hands, but as players, we have to be ready for every situation,” Farhan said.
Sahibzada Farhan on Pakistan Captaincy
Farhan, who was recently appointed captain of Pakistan’s Asian Games side, said it was too early to judge whether the responsibility would be difficult or easy.
“Captaincy is an honour for me and my family. I have just been given the captaincy, so I cannot say yet whether it is difficult or easy. We will know that after the tournament,” he said.
The right-handed batter also said he would approach the game in the same way regardless of whether he was playing as captain or as a regular member of the team.
“There is no pressure. Whether I play as captain or as a player, I will play in the same way and follow my natural game,” he said.
Farhan said he had also asked his teammates to prioritise the team’s interests and remain ready to adapt to the conditions in Japan.
“I have told all the boys to play for the team. Everyone is ready for the Asian Games, and whatever the conditions in Japan are, we have to be prepared as players,” he added.
Sahibzada Farhan on documentary after sixes to Bumrah
Responding to a journalist’s question about the documentary made on him after he hit three sixes against India’s best pacer Jasprit Bumrah, a bowler no Pakistani batter had previously hit a six against, Sahibzada Farhan giggled before saying, “Sometimes these things happen. We’ll try to avoid it in the future.”
Farhan Praises Haider Ali’s Form
The Pakistan captain highlighted the form of all-rounder Haider Ali, saying he was looking in good touch ahead of the competition.
“Haider Ali is looking in very good form. The players who have been selected for the team have all performed and earned their place,” Farhan said.
Although the squad includes some new faces, Farhan said the players have enough international experience to handle the tournament.
“There are some new players in the team, but they have international cricket experience. Everyone is experienced and ready for the challenge,” he said.
Pakistan to Focus on Every Match
Farhan stressed that Pakistan would not focus exclusively on a potential match against India and would instead approach every fixture with equal importance.
“Our entire focus is not just on the match against India. Every single match of the tournament is important for us, and our effort will be to win every game,” he said.
Asked about a possible clash with India, Farhan said Pakistan would be prepared but would not make predictions before taking the field.
“We are ready for the match against India, but our focus is not on just one match. We cannot make claims beforehand about whom we will beat or whom we cannot beat,” he said.
He acknowledged that Pakistan would have to overcome strong teams if it was to achieve its gold-medal target.
“If we want to win the gold medal, we will have to beat the top teams,” Farhan said.
Asian Games Squad Prepared for Tournament
Farhan revealed that Pakistan’s Asian Games squad had been assembled around two months earlier, giving the players time to prepare for the competition.
“Our team was formed two months ago for the Asian Games, and all the players are ready. Our focus is to win the gold medal for Pakistan,” he said.
He added that the team wanted to produce positive results for the people of Pakistan and remain focused throughout the tournament.
“We want to give good results to the people of Pakistan. All the matches are important for us, and our effort will be to win every match,” Farhan said.
Pakistan Squad for Asian Games 2026
Pakistan’s squad for the Asian Games is: Sahibzada Farhan (captain), Abdul Samad (vice-captain), Abrar Ahmed, Ahmed Daniyal, Akif Javed, Ali Raza, Arafat Minhas, Haider Ali, Hasan Nawaz, Maaz Sadaqat, Mohammad Wasim Jnr, Saad Masood, Saim Ayub, Sufyan Moqim and Usman Khan (wicketkeeper).
