Sahibzada Farhan promises attacking approach vs India, says Pakistan will stick to positive mindset for Feb 15 clash

Sahibzada Farhan revealed that he was ready for the India vs Pakistan game on February 15 and wanted to play attacking cricket.

Published on: Feb 11, 2026, 07:25:27 IST

Written by Neelav Chakravarti

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Sahibzada Farhan broke his silence after the PCB reportedly called off their proposed boycott of the upcoming fixture on Monday. Speaking in the post-match press conference after Pakistan's win vs the USA, Farhan revealed that he was ready for the game on February 15 and wanted to play attacking cricket.

Pakistan's Sahibzada Farhan plays a shot. (AFP)

"We’ll go in with the same mindset as we did in our previous matches against India, including the Asia Cup. We’ll try to stay positive and play attacking cricket," he said.

Also Read: Harbhajan Singh rips into Pakistan after dramatic boycott U-turn: ‘Realised late that World Cup can go on without them'

In a statement, the Pakistan government explained its decision to make a U-turn, claiming that many countries urged them not to boycott the game. Meanwhile, the ICC also decided not to penalise Bangladesh after their exclusion from the T20 World Cup for refusing to play in India.

Pakistan won their most recent T20 World Cup game against the USA. Defending a target of 191 runs, Pakistan restricted the USA to 158/8 in 20 overs, despite a half-century from Shubham Ranjane (51). Meanwhile, Usman Tariq took three wickets. Initially, a 41-ball 73 knock by Farhan saw Pakistan post 190/9 in 20 overs. Meanwhile, Shadley van Schalwyk took four wickets for the USA.

After the match, Farhan said, "The way we practiced yesterday, the ball was coming onto my bat really well in the nets. I had already told our batting coach (Hanif Malik) yesterday that I was getting a good feeling for today’s match. I was confident. I even said, I will finish the match in a way that earns me the Player of the Match award. I’ve set a personal target for myself, to win at least two to three Player of the Match awards in this World Cup. I felt this pitch was much better."

"The ball was coming nicely onto the bat. As openers, the role for me and Saim Ayub is always to utilize the powerplay properly. I naturally play an attacking brand of cricket. Ayub got the start today but was a bit unlucky. My thinking was to continue playing my natural game because in T20 cricket, as an opener, you have to play that way. That’s the role given to us by the captain, to keep the attack on in the first six overs", he added.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Neelav Chakravarti
Neelav Chakravarti has been part of the digital sports team at Hindustan Times since 2022, where he covers a wide range of disciplines, including chess, cricket, football, and Olympic sports. Working in a fast-paced digital newsroom, he regularly handles live blogs, breaking updates, and trending stories, combining speed with clarity to keep readers informed in real time. Chess remains both a professional beat and a personal passion for Neelav, and he closely tracks major international tournaments, player narratives, and emerging talents. He is particularly fascinated by the patience, calculation, and strategic depth the game demands, often exploring the psychological side of competition in his writing. Beyond sports journalism, Neelav has a deep interest in visual storytelling and filmmaking, actively participating in film festivals and engaging with independent cinema. He is especially drawn to films that capture the subtleties of everyday life and human relationships, appreciating storytelling that balances realism with emotional depth. This creative interest complements his approach to sports coverage, where he enjoys highlighting the human stories behind performances and results. A history enthusiast by academic training, Neelav holds a bachelor’s degree in the subject and maintains a sustained interest in ancient and medieval Indian history, particularly in cultural and social transitions across eras. His curiosity about the past often shapes his perspective on contemporary narratives and long-form storytelling. When he isn’t tracking scores or developing storylines, Neelav enjoys spending time over the chessboard, relaxing with his cats, or listening to the Empire podcast by Anita Anand and William Dalrymple. He also enjoys reading long-form sports writing that explores the emotional and cultural layers of sport, while maintaining a quiet routine that balances reading, reflection, and occasional time with friends.Read More

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