Islamabad United – the defending champions of the previous edition of the HBL Pakistan Super League (PSL) – are leading the points table in HBL PSL X with 10 points from six matches. The team has secured five wins, suffering just one loss against Lahore Qalandars at the Gaddafi Stadium on Wednesday night after a five-game winning streak.
One of the standout performers for United has been Sahibzada Farhan, whose journey from being unpicked in the HBL PSL Player Draft to becoming a match-winner has been nothing short of remarkable.
Farhan’s redemption arc: From draft snub to top performer
Initially overlooked during the HBL PSL draft in January, Farhan earned a place in the squad thanks to his dominant run in the National T20 Cup, where he amassed 605 runs in seven matches, including three centuries and two fifties. The Peshawar Region batter scored at a stunning strike rate of 189.66 and an average of 121.
Farhan’s form has carried over to the PSL, where he has already scored 245 runs in six innings at a strike rate of 161.18, including one century and a half-century.
“Islamabad United gave me a chance first” — Farhan on PSL opportunity
Speaking exclusively to PCB Digital, Farhan reflected on how his PSL opportunity came about: “I had performed well in the National T20 and I knew there were some places available in the teams. I would like to give credit to Islamabad United for picking me first.”
Asked about his consistency, Farhan added: “I have been performing for the last four years and especially in the last two years in four-day cricket. Over the past year, I’ve been a top performer in One-Day tournaments. I’ve also been focusing on improving my strike rate.”
Playing his natural game with United’s support
Farhan praised United’s management for the freedom he’s been given at the top of the order. “They have given me a free hand and allowed me to play my natural game. Sometimes, Shadab Khan and Salman Ali Agha talk to me in the nets, but I am trying to execute the shots I’ve played in past events.”
Century against Zalmi a standout moment
Farhan scored his maiden HBL PSL century against Peshawar Zalmi at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on 14 April. “I had the confidence from the beginning that I could score a century in this edition. I feel it was one of my best innings,” he said. “I’m hoping to play a similar knock again in this tournament.”
Familiar territory and focus on the playoffs
Having previously represented Islamabad United in 2018 and 2019, Farhan said he feels right at home: “This is not a new side for me. I know Shadab both as a captain and player. I’m enjoying my time here and trying to improve my batting every day.”
On United’s impressive start in the league, the 29-year-old emphasized that there will be no complacency. “We are not going to relax after winning five matches. The tournament is still on, and we are focused on qualifying for the play-offs.”
