From zero to invincible: Farhan spearheads United's surge in PSL 10

Firecracker Farhan: The Unheralded Opener Sizzling in PSL

Sahibzada Farhan, an unsung hero, has been setting the Pakistan Super League (PSL) ablaze with his scintillating performances for Islamabad United. Despite being overlooked in the draft, Farhan proved his might with a jaw-dropping National T20 Cup showing, which ultimately secured him a spot with the United squad.

In January, Farhan went under the radar. But his impressive display in the National T20 Cup – piling on 605 runs in just seven games at an astonishing strike rate of 189.66 – demonstrated why he deserved a place on the team. His performances included three centuries and two fifties for the Peshawar Region – truly a tour de force.

Now in the PSL, Farhan has continued his red-hot form, accumulating 245 runs in six matches at a daunting strike rate of 161.18. He's scored one century and posted a half-century, demonstrating his ability to deliver the goods time and again.

Talking exclusively with PCB Digital, Farhan discussed his incredible journey. "I knew I was performing well in the National T20, and I knew teams hadn't filled all their spots," he revealed. "I owe it to Islamabad United for giving me a chance."

Asked about the key to his recent rampant success, Farhan said, "I've been putting in the hard yards for the last four years across multiple formats. I've been focusing on improving my strike rate, and I'd love to carry that intent into international cricket should I be selected again."

Islamabad United, aiming for consecutive PSL titles, have employed a free-spirited approach, allowing Farhan to let his natural qualities shine. "They let me do my thing, although Shadab Khan and Salman Ali Agha are always there to offer guidance in the nets," Farhan shared.

Reminiscing about his blistering century against Peshawar Zalmi in Rawalpindi on April 14 – the first of the season for him – Farhan admitted, "I had set lofty goals for myself for this tournament, and I felt that match would be the perfect opportunity to prove myself. I feel it was my best innings so far."

With Islamabad United currently leading the pack with 10 points from six matches – having won five games and lost to Lahore Qalandars recently – Farhan emphasized the team is keeping their feet on the ground. "We're not resting on our laurels. We still have a long way to go, and our goal is to qualify for the playoffs."

*Sahibzada Farhan's Dazzling Rise: From Undrafted to Tour de Force*

Farhan, a 29-year-old right-handed batsman, ignited his career during the 2024-25 National T20 Cup, amassing 605 runs in seven innings at a strike rate of 189.66, including three centuries and two fifties. His explosive performances caught the eye of the PSL selection committee and secured his place in the tournament following his omission from the January draft.

In the PSL, Islamabad United took a chance on Farhan, and it appears to have paid off. His quickfire century against Peshawar Zalmi – the first in the PSL for him – earned him a spot among the elite few who've scored four T20 centuries in a calendar year (joining Chris Gayle and Virat Kohli). His 144-run partnership with Colin Munro against Zalmi elevated United to 243/5, highlighting his ability to anchor and accelerate.

Farhan's dazzling form is a testament to his relentless ambition and explosive batting prowess, particularly in T20 formats. He aims to carry his career-best form into international cricket should he be given the opportunity.

Farhan's meteoric rise exemplifies how dominance in domestic cricket can rejuvenate professional trajectories, potentially offering Islamabad United – and Pakistan – a consistent top-order asset in the years to come.

Freedom to perform has allowed Farhan to execute his talents, evident in his 144-run partnership with Colin Munro in the PSL, a testament to his ability to anchor and accelerate.
A consistent top-order asset, Farhan's average of 43.41 in T20 cricket now elevates his position as a potential credit to the Pakistan national team, should he be selected.
Although bypassed in the draft, Farhan's dazzling scores in the National T20 Cup (605 runs in seven games, three hundreds, and two fifties) demonstrated a grasped opportunity for Islamabad United.
Having made his mark for leaping from undrafted to tour de force, Farhan's meteoric rise could be a refreshing influence for Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) decision-makers in the future.