NAGOYA: Pakistan captain Sahibzada Farhan has set his sights on winning the gold medal at the 2026 Asian Games in Japan.
Speaking to the media before Pakistan’s opening match, Farhan said the team would take the tournament one game at a time.
He acknowledged that the conditions and weather in Japan differ from those 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,” Farhan said.
“The conditions and weather are not in our hands, but as players, we have to be ready for every situation,” he added.
Farhan Embraces Captaincy Responsibility
Farhan was recently appointed Pakistan’s captain for the Asian Games. He said it was too early to judge whether the responsibility would prove difficult.
“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,” he said.
“We will know that after the tournament,” he added.
The right-handed batter also said captaincy would not change his approach to batting.
“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,” Farhan said.
He has also urged his teammates to put the team’s interests first and 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 said.
Farhan Backs Haider Ali and New Players
Farhan praised all-rounder Haider Ali’s form ahead of the tournament.
“Haider Ali is looking in very good form. The players who have been selected for the team have all performed and earned their place,” he said.
Pakistan’s squad includes several new faces, but Farhan believes 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 Not Focusing Only on India
Farhan said Pakistan would treat every match with equal importance rather than focusing only on a potential clash with India.
“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.
He added that Pakistan would be ready if the two rivals meet but refused to make predictions before the match.
“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,” Farhan said.
The captain acknowledged that Pakistan would have to beat strong opponents to achieve its gold-medal target.
“If we want to win the gold medal, we will have to beat the top teams,” he said.
Pakistan Aim to Deliver Gold for Fans
Farhan revealed that Pakistan’s Asian Games squad had been assembled around two months ago.
“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.
“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.
Farhan Open to Permanent T20I Captaincy
Farhan also said he would accept the permanent T20I captaincy if the Pakistan Cricket Board offered him the role.
“If I am given the opportunity to become the permanent captain, I will definitely accept it,” he said.
According to sources, the PCB is considering Farhan for the permanent T20I captaincy.
The board, in consultation with head coach Mike Hesson, is looking towards the 2028 T20 World Cup. Sources said Farhan’s leadership during the Asian Games would form part of the assessment before a permanent appointment.
Pakistan Squad for Asian Games 2026
Sahibzada Farhan (c), Abdul Samad (vc), 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 (wk).
