Pakistan’s newly appointed T20I captain, Sahibzada Farhan, has vowed to lead his team with determination in the upcoming three-match series against Sri Lanka, set to begin on October 9 at Rawalpindi Stadium. Farhan assumed the captaincy on October 5 and addressed the media in Lahore, emphasizing unity and a strong collective effort to secure the series victory.
The Pakistan Cricket Board has confirmed the schedule for the series, with matches scheduled for October 9, 11, and 13, all starting at 8 pm local time. Farhan highlighted the importance of leading by example as he takes on the captaincy role for the first time, promising to select the best players in consultation with the team management to deliver strong performances.
While the primary goal is to win the series, Farhan stressed the importance of focusing on each match individually and giving their best in every game. His appointment follows the removal of former captain Salman Agha, who was relieved of his duties after scoring just 25 runs in two innings during the first Test against England.
Following the T20I series, Pakistan will participate in a seven-match ODI tri-series involving Sri Lanka and England. Squads for both the T20I series and the ODI tri-series have been announced, featuring a mix of experienced players and emerging talent.
Historically, Pakistan and Sri Lanka have faced each other in 31 T20Is, with Pakistan winning 18 matches and Sri Lanka 12, while one match was abandoned due to rain. The two teams last played a three-match T20I series in January this year, which ended in a 1-1 draw.
The Pakistan T20I squad includes Sahibzada Farhan (captain), Abdul Samad, Abrar Ahmed, Arafat Minhas, Fakhar Zaman, Hassan Nawaz, Imran Randhawa, Khawaja Nafay, Muaz Sadaqat, Naseem Shah, Razaullah, Saim Ayub, Salman Mirza, Shadab Khan, and Sufyan Muqeem.
The ODI squad features Shaheen Shah Afridi as captain, along with Abrar Ahmed, Salman Agha, Arafat Minhas, Babar Azam, Faheem Ashraf, Fakhar Zaman, Ghazi Ghori, Haris Rauf, Hassan Nawaz, Naseem Shah, Razaullah, Saad Baig, Saim Ayub, Shadab Khan, and Sufyan Muqeem.
The ODI tri-series will also commence at Rawalpindi Stadium, with the first three matches held there, while the remaining matches and the final will take place in Lahore.
