Sahibzada Farhan: The Comeback King of Pakistan Cricket
An Explosive Return to Form
In today’s cricket headlines, Sahibzada Farhan is the centerpiece of attention. The 29‑year‑old Pakistan batter has stormed back into limelight through record‑smashing feats in the National T20 Cup and a stunning showing in PSL 10 for Islamabad United. Farhan’s resurgence has fans and experts alike talking about a potential long‑term international comeback.
National T20 Cup Brilliance
Farhan’s most celebrated performance came on March 21, 2025, when he scored an unbeaten 162 off 72 balls against Quetta, including 14 fours and 11 sixes. This knock broke Kamran Akmal’s eight‑year‑old record of 150* and became the highest individual T20 score by a Pakistani batter. His 162* now ranks as the joint third‑highest T20 score in history, alongside Masakadza and Zazai, surpassed only by Gayle’s 175* and Finch’s 172.
Over the entirety of the National T20 Cup 2025, Farhan accumulated an astonishing 605 runs in 7 innings, including three centuries and two half‑centuries, at a strike rate approaching 190 and an average over 120.
Leap to PSL and Continued Dominance
Despite being initially left out of the PSL 10 draft in January, Islamabad United picked Farhan in the supplementary category after witnessing his domestic form. Farhan repaid the faith by scoring his fourth T20 century in just one month, steering United to emphatic wins, including a 49‑ball century against Peshawar Zalmi in Rawalpindi. As of early May, he had already scored one century and one fifty in six PSL matches, scoring 245 runs at a 161 strike rate.
Sahibzada Farhan – Key Stats & Records
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| National T20 Cup total runs (2025) | 605 in 7 innings |
| Centuries / Fifties in National T20 Cup | 3 centuries + 2 fifties |
| Strike rate in National T20 Cup | ~190 |
| PSL 10 runs (first 6 matches) | 245 runs (1 century, 1 fifty) |
| Strike rate in PSL 10 (so far) | ~161 |
| Number of T20 centuries in span | 4 in one month |
| Total T20 centuries in career | 6 centuries (103 innings) |
| National T20 Cup highest individual score | 162* (record for Pakistan) |
| Joint third-highest T20 score globally | Yes (with Zazai, Masakadza, Brevis) |
Ambitions and International Prospects
Eyes Back on the Pakistan Squad
Sharpened by his domestic and PSL performances, Farhan has publicly declared his intent to earn a stable place in the Pakistan national side. In an April 20, 2025 interview, he stressed that he wants to “play for Pakistan again and stay in the team for the long term” – not just appear briefly. He views PSL as a vital proving ground and aims to score multiple more centuries this season to establish himself firmly.
Return Marked by a Maiden T20I Fifty
Farhan’s persistence paid off when he was recalled to the Pakistan T20I side in May 2025 (a comeback after over five years). He repaid selectors’ trust with his maiden T20I half‑century, scoring a blistering 74 off 41 balls, including six sixes and ten boundaries, in the second T20I against Bangladesh at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium. Former Pakistan opener Ahmed Shehzad publicly praised Farhan’s knock, stating “sky is the limit” for the upcoming star.
Why Farhan’s Rise Matters
Validating Domestic Performers
Farhan’s journey underscores a larger discussion in Pakistan cricket: the gulf between domestic success and international opportunity. Reddit commentators have noted that despite phenomenal domestic numbers (600+ runs at SR 200+), Farhan was previously misused in international settings—batting at No. 7 instead of opening during his debut tour in New Zealand & Australia. Many argue he was never given a fair run and should now be rewarded properly, especially in his preferred opening slot.
Mentorship and Mental Strength
Farhan credits senior player Fakhar Zaman as his go‑to for advice during PSL season, with Fakhar encouraging him to continue expressing his aggressive style that dominated domestic cricket. Farhan’s mindset reflects a mature approach: train hard, keep trusting his instincts, and perform consistently under pressure.
Milestones & Highlights — Sahibzada Farhan Today
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March 21, 2025 – Record‑breaking 162* in National T20 Cup vs Quetta.
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National T20 Cup 2025 – 605 runs in 7 innings (3 centuries, 2 fifties).
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Late March 2025 – Picked by Islamabad United in PSL supplementary category.
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April–May 2025 – Scored fourth century in a month; starred in PSL with 245 runs in six matches.
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April 20, 2025 – Declared ambition to cement place in national side for long term.
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May 30, 2025 – Scored maiden T20I fifty on return vs Bangladesh (74 off 41 balls).
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Acknowledged for professionalism and sustained performances by senior voices like Ahmed Shehzad.
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Turned to Fakhar Zaman for guidance and has displayed strong mental resilience.
Conclusion
Sahibzada Farhan’s rise in 2025 is a textbook case of determination, form, and opportunity converging at the right moment. His historic T20 Cup numbers, PSL‑dominating form, and seamless international return have made a compelling argument: he’s no longer just a domestic titan but a serious contender for Pakistan’s long‑term plans in white‑ball cricket.
The cricketing world will watch keenly if Farhan can continue this momentum into future series. His trajectory proves that with the right opportunities—and mindset—even a player long overlooked can emerge as a force at the highest level.
