Sahibzada Farhan Sets Gold Medal Target for Pakistan at Asian Games

KARACHI: Pakistan captain Sahibzada Farhan says the team’s primary objective at the 2026 Asian Games is to win the gold medal, with the skipper insisting that every game will receive the same level of attention.

Speaking ahead of Pakistan’s opening fixture in Japan, Farhan said the players were prepared for the unfamiliar conditions and weather, which could be different from what they normally experience at home.

“Playing conditions in Japan are different, and we prepared in Pakistan while keeping that in mind. We cannot control the weather or conditions, so our responsibility as players is to be prepared for whatever comes our way,” Farhan said.

The right-hander, who has been handed the captaincy for the Asian Games, described the role as a matter of pride for him and his family. However, he said it would only be possible to judge the challenges of captaincy once the tournament was underway.

“Captaincy is an honour for me and my family. I have only recently been given this responsibility, so it is too early to say whether it is difficult or easy. We will know that once the tournament is over,” he said.

Farhan also dismissed the idea that leading the side would put him under extra pressure, saying he would continue to approach his batting in the same manner.

“I don’t feel any additional pressure. Whether I am playing as captain or as a player, my approach will remain the same and I will play my natural game,” he said.

The Pakistan captain said he had encouraged his teammates to put the team’s requirements ahead of individual ambitions and remain flexible throughout the competition.

“I have told the players to play for the team. Everyone is ready for the Asian Games, and we have to adapt to whatever conditions we face in Japan,” he added.

Farhan was also impressed by the recent form of Haider Ali and backed the entire squad to make an impact.

“Haider Ali is looking in very good form. Everyone who has been selected has performed and earned their place in the squad,” Farhan said.

While Pakistan have included several less-established players, Farhan believes the squad possesses enough international experience to deal with the demands of the tournament.

“There are some new faces, but they have international cricket experience. The whole squad has experience and everyone is prepared for the challenge,” he said.

With a possible meeting against India likely to attract considerable attention, Farhan stressed that Pakistan would not allow one fixture to overshadow the rest of their campaign.

“Our focus is not only on the match against India. Every match in this tournament is important, and we will try to win every game,” he said.

On the prospect of facing India, Farhan said Pakistan would be prepared but refused to make any predictions before the match.

“We are ready to face India, but we are not focusing on just one game. It is not possible to make claims before a match about who we will beat or who we cannot beat,” he said.

Farhan acknowledged that Pakistan would have to overcome strong opposition if they are to achieve their gold-medal target.

“If we want to win the gold medal, we will have to beat the top teams,” he said.

According to Farhan, the Asian Games squad was put together around two months before the competition, allowing the players adequate time to prepare and build familiarity as a group.

“Our team was formed around two months ago for the Asian Games and all the players are ready. Our target is to win the gold medal for Pakistan,” he said.

The skipper also made it clear that he would be willing to take on the permanent T20I captaincy should the opportunity come his way in the future.

“If I am given the opportunity to become the permanent captain, I will definitely accept it,” Farhan said.

He added that the squad was determined to deliver positive results for the country and maintain its focus on executing the plans throughout the tournament.

“We want to give good results to the people of Pakistan. Every match matters to us and our effort will be to win every game,” Farhan concluded.

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).