Sahibzada Farhan has been appointed as the captain of the Pakistan Shaheens for their upcoming red-ball tour of Australia. The 28-year-old, known for his extensive experience and batting prowess, will lead the team in two four-day matches against Bangladesh A in Darwin, starting on July 19.
Farhan, who has represented Pakistan in five T20 Internationals, has an impressive first-class record, amassing 4,401 runs, which include eight centuries and 27 half-centuries.
His leadership skills, combined with his solid batting performances, make him a crucial asset to the young Shaheens squad. Farhan’s appointment is seen as a strategic move to blend experience with emerging talent, aiming to nurture the next generation of Pakistani cricketers.
While Farhan will be steering the red-ball campaign, the captain for the subsequent white-ball matches and T20 tournament will be announced later.
The entire 15-member red-ball squad is set to depart for Darwin on July 13. This tour is a significant opportunity for the team to test their skills and gain valuable experience against a competitive Bangladesh A side.
In a notable change, spinner Faisal Akram has been brought in to replace the injured fast bowler Hunain Shah. This adjustment aims to bolster the team’s spin department, adding depth and versatility to their bowling attack.
Moreover, Pakistan’s red-ball head coach, Jason Gillespie, will accompany the team to Darwin. Gillespie, a seasoned coach with a wealth of experience, will provide valuable guidance to the squad.
After the conclusion of the second four-day match, Gillespie will return to Pakistan to prepare for the upcoming Test series against Bangladesh, where he will take charge of the national team.
The tour of Australia presents a critical platform for emerging Pakistani cricketers to showcase their talents and build on their international experience.
With Farhan at the helm, the Shaheens will be looking to deliver strong performances in both the red-ball and white-ball formats. The leadership of Farhan, coupled with the guidance of Gillespie, is expected to be a winning combination, aiming to produce results and identify future stars for Pakistan cricket.
As the Shaheens gear up for this challenging tour, the focus will be on consistency and resilience, qualities that Farhan epitomizes. The upcoming matches in Darwin are not just about competing but also about building a robust pipeline of talent for Pakistan’s cricketing future.