KARACHI
\nIslamabad United opener Sahibzada Farhan has set his sights on a Pakistan team comeback and a long-term international career, banking on his strong Pakistan Super League and National T20 form to force his way back into national contention.
\nIn an exclusive interview with Geo News, the 29-year-old batsman highlighted that his goal is to secure a stable place in the national side rather than a short-lived opportunity. \u201cMy goal is to play for Pakistan again and stay in the team for the long term, not just for one or two matches,\u201d Farhan said. \u201cWhen I return, I want to cement my place, not just make a brief appearance.\u201d
\nFarhan credited his dominant performances in the recent National T20 Cup, where he smashed three centuries and two fifties, for building his confidence ahead of PSL. \u201cScoring a century early in the National T20 gave me a huge boost,\u201d he said. \u201cI had planned to dominate that tournament to grab attention for PSL selection, and thankfully, that form has carried forward.\u201d
\nFarhan was initially overlooked by PSL franchises during the players\u2019 draft held in January. He then scored 605 runs in 7 innings for the National T20 tournament. His performances backed by three centuries and two half-centuries convinced the United to later pick Sahibzada Farhan in the supplementary category.
\nFarhan said that his consistency in PSL should silence critics who labelled him a \u201cdomestic-only\u201d performer. \u201cPeople used to say I only score in domestic cricket, but I\u2019ve proven them wrong in PSL,\u201d Farhan said. \u201cPerforming in such a high-profile league makes a strong case for international selection.\u201d
\nFarhan highlighted the importance of PSL performances in easing the transition to international cricket. \u201cThe level of competition here is intense, facing top bowlers in PSL prepares you for the pressures of playing for Pakistan in international cricket,\u201d he said.
\n\u201cIf you perform here, it becomes easier to adjust at the international level.\u201d
\nHe also pointed out the fierce competition for opening slots in Pakistan\u2019s lineup. \u201cThere are many strong openers, so you need consistent performances to earn and retain your spot,\u201d he said. \u201cA player shouldn\u2019t be judged after just two or three games; they need a proper run to prove themselves.\u201d
\nFarhan said the support he is getting from the management of the United, particularly the captain Salman Agha, in refining his technique. \u201cAfter the first match, Salman gave me valuable tips that helped improve my balance and on-side play,\u201d he revealed. \u201cNow I\u2019m scoring more freely in that area.\u201d
\nHe also credited his academy coaches for helping him evolve as a batsman. \u201cSmall adjustments can make a big difference, and I\u2019m constantly working to improve,\u201d he said.
\nFarhan, known for his aggressive stroke play, stressed that he is never content with just a couple of good innings. \u201cI can\u2019t relax after one or two performances, I always push for more,\u201d he said. \u201cMy aim is to score at least one or two more centuries this PSL to break the record of most T20 centuries in a calendar year and help my team win.\u201d
\nReflecting on the challenges of T20 batting, he emphasised the importance of adaptability. \u201cIn T20s, your batting position matters a lot\u2014I prefer opening because it gives me time to build an innings. In ODIs and T20s, you have more time to adjust, but you still need to be proactive.\u201d
\nFarhan admitted that international cricket comes with intense scrutiny but said he is prepared for the challenge. \u201cThere\u2019s a lot of pressure at the highest level, but I\u2019ve learned to embrace it,\u201d he said. \u201cMy mindset is simple: control what you can, work hard, and let performances speak.\u201d
\nWith the United continues to dominate in PSL X, Farhan remains determined to maintain his form. \u201cI\u2019m enjoying my batting right now, and I want to keep contributing. If I keep performing, the rest will take care of itself.\u201d<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
KARACHI Islamabad United opener Sahibzada Farhan has set his sights on a Pakistan team comeback and a long-term international career, banking on his strong Pakistan Super League and National T20 form to force his way back into national contention. In an exclusive interview with Geo News, the 29-year-old batsman highlighted that his goal is to […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":473712,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[3],"tags":[],"class_list":{"0":"post-473690","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-sports"},"yoast_head":"\n