Lahore (The COW News Digital)Pakistan cricket team captain Sahibzada Farhan has expressed confidence that the national side can win a medal for the country at the 2026 Asian Games, emphasizing that the team will approach every match with equal importance rather than focusing solely on its clash with India.
Speaking to the media at the National Stadium Karachi, Farhan discussed Pakistan’s preparations, team combination and strategy for the upcoming Asian Games campaign. He said the squad is a balanced mix of experienced campaigners and young talent and expressed optimism about delivering a strong performance on the international stage.
Farhan stressed that every team participating in the tournament would be treated as an important opponent. He said Pakistan’s attention would not be limited to the highly anticipated match against India, adding that the team’s immediate focus would remain on its opening fixture.
“We are focusing on our first match and will give equal importance to every game,” Farhan said while outlining the team’s approach to the tournament.
The Pakistan captain also highlighted the importance of adapting to local conditions before the competition begins. He said the squad plans to arrive in Japan two days before the event to adjust to the weather and playing conditions and ensure the players are adequately prepared.
Discussing Pakistan’s young talent, Farhan identified Saim Ayub, Muaz Sadaqat and Hassan Nawaz among the players capable of making a significant contribution. He described the emerging cricketers as a source of hope for Pakistan and said strong performances at the Asian Games could help them secure greater opportunities in the future.
Farhan also revealed that head coach Mike Hesson had travelled to Japan to inspect the rugby ground where the cricket matches are expected to be played. The coaching staff subsequently held detailed discussions about the playing conditions and other relevant factors.
The captain said Pakistan’s four-day training camp in Karachi also took the expected conditions into consideration, allowing the players to prepare accordingly before travelling for the tournament.
Addressing the importance of domestic cricket, Farhan said players who struggle at the international level should return to domestic competitions and continue playing regularly. He maintained that consistent participation in domestic cricket can help players improve their skills, regain confidence and sharpen their overall game.
Farhan also spoke about his role as captain and his future with the national side. He said he remained highly optimistic about his responsibilities as skipper but emphasized that his primary objective was to maintain consistency in his own performances.
“Whether I remain captain or not, my priority is to maintain consistency in performance,” Farhan said, adding that he would make every effort to live up to the confidence placed in him by the Pakistan Cricket Board.
With preparations underway, Pakistan will enter the Asian Games with a clear focus on adapting to conditions, developing young talent and competing strongly throughout the tournament. Farhan’s comments underline the team’s intention to treat the event as a complete campaign rather than allowing the spotlight surrounding any single fixture to define its approach.
