Sports

Farhan Takes Helm as Pakistan Face Sri Lanka in T20I Series

By Amit Kumar

Sahibzada Farhan will lead Pakistan in the opening T20I against Sri Lanka on Friday at Rawalpindi, replacing Salman Ali Agha who was omitted from the 15‑member squad that also competed at the 2026 T20 World Cup. "It is an honour to captain Pakistan for the first time in a home series. I am very much excited for this new challenge," Farhan told reporters before the match. He acknowledged the pressure of captaincy but said his domestic leadership experience would help him manage the role. "Obviously, there is pressure of captaincy because you are leading the side and you have to show a different mindset," he added. Farhan also reflected on his father’s prayers, saying, "Parents' prayers really do come true," after noting he had never imagined himself as captain.

Farhan stressed the need to lead from the front and to perform with the bat to set an example. He expressed confidence in the squad and the support of senior players. "I have complete confidence in the players selected in the current squad. The presence of senior players will greatly assist me on the field," he said.

He outlined a desire for an attacking T20 approach, citing the top order—Fakhar Zaman, Maaz Sadaqat and Hasan Nawaz—as fitting his style. Farhan also praised former captains Sarfaraz Ahmed, Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan, saying both Babar and Rizwan remain capable of returning to T20 cricket.

The series will run from Friday to Sunday, with all three matches scheduled to start at 6 pm and the toss at 5:30 pm. The trophy was unveiled in Islamabad on Thursday, with Farhan and Sri Lanka captain Kusal Mendis in attendance. The series marks the 250th international match between the two sides.

Pakistan entered the series after winning a silver medal in the men's cricket competition at the Asian Games. The squad includes uncapped Razaullah and Mohammad Imran Randhawa, and fast bowler Naseem Shah is expected to return after his last T20I appearance against Sri Lanka in February. Bowling options feature Abrar Ahmed, Shadab Khan, Sufiyan Moqim and Arafat Minhas in spin, with Naseem leading the pace attack alongside Mohammad Salman Mirza, Razaullah and Randhawa. Khawaja Mohammad Nafay is the wicket‑keeper.

Pakistan have won 18 of 31 T20I matches against Sri Lanka, while Sri Lanka have won 13. The Sri Lankan side, led by Kusal Mendis, aims to improve its record after a 3‑0 defeat in Lahore in 2019.