Pakistan captain reveals New Zealand star's guidance on improving his powerplay strike rate ahead of the tournament.
Sahibzada Farhan will lead Pakistan's cricket contingent at the Asian Games 2026, which began on September 24. The 30-year-old has established himself as a key player for Pakistan in T20 Internationals, having represented the nation in 45 matches and scoring 1,305 runs, including two centuries and 10 half-centuries. Farhan was the highest run-scorer in the T20 World Cup 2026, amassing 383 runs in six innings at a strike rate of 160.25.
Ahead of Pakistan's first quarter-final at the Asian Games scheduled for September 28, Farhan opened up about receiving technical guidance from former New Zealand captain Kane Williamson. The interaction between the two players reflects the exchange of ideas that occurs among international cricketers during global tournaments.
"Kane Williamson pointed out one of my weaknesses to me. I need to improve my strike rate during the powerplay and avoid playing too many dot balls in that phase," Farhan said while speaking to the media.
Farhan also explained the significance of domestic cricket in his career, saying the domestic circuit had time and again given him a pathway back into the national setup.
"Domestic cricket gives you an opportunity to make a comeback. I have always made my comeback through domestic cricket," Farhan said.
While Farhan, for now, has been given the role of T20 captaincy only for the Asian Games, he said that he is willing to take that responsibility on a permanent basis.
"If I am given the permanent captaincy, I will definitely accept it. But right now, my only focus is on the Asian Games and my responsibilities as captain of this team," Sahibzada said.
Captaincy aspirations and current focus
Medal matches at the Asian Games were scheduled for October 3, providing Pakistan with the opportunity to compete for honours in the cricket event. Farhan's leadership and recent form in T20 cricket positioned him as a central figure in Pakistan's campaign at the Games. He will have a key role to play in helping the Men in Green do well at the continental competition.