Former Pakistan captain Rashid Latif has voiced his concerns over the Pakistan Cricket Board’s (PCB) selection approach, arguing that Sahibzada Farhan deserved more opportunities in the national setup, with his stellar domestic performances serving as proof of his class.
Speaking on a local news channel, the former wicketkeeper questioned the reasoning behind prioritizing certain players over others, drawing a comparison between Farhan and emerging opener Hasan Nawaz. He dismissed any direct comparison between the two, pointing out the stark contrast in their run tallies.
“When you introduce new players into the team, you cannot justify giving someone an edge just because they scored a single century,” Latif stated. “For instance, if you compare him with Sahibzada Farhan, he has been the top performer in domestic T20 tournaments. You can’t compare 2,000 runs with 200.”
Latif emphasized that the PCB should reward players who deliver consistent performances at the domestic level rather than making selections based on isolated flashes of brilliance.
“He ( sahibzada Farhan) did get a chance, but I strongly believe he should have been given more,” Rashid Latif added, reiterating his stance on merit-based selections.
Sahibzada Farhan’s recent exploits in the National T20 Cup further strengthen Rashid Latif’s argument. The 29-year-old was named Player of the Tournament after a record-breaking campaign, yet he remains without a recall to the national team or a place in any PSL franchise. His latest feat saw him surpass Fakhar Zaman’s national record for the most runs in a single edition of a T20 tournament, making his continued absence from the top level all the more surprising.
Despite his remarkable consistency, his international opportunities have been limited. With Latif and others advocating for a change, pressure may mount on the PCB to reconsider its selection policy and prioritize sustained performances over short-term flashes. Given Hasan Nawaz’s struggles against New Zealand, Farhan may have edged ahead in the race for the opening slot when Pakistan announces its squad to face Bangladesh.
