Pakistan spinner Sahibzada Farhan has been named the ICC Men’s Player of the Month for February 2026. Farhan became the first player from the country to win the award since Haris Rauf in November 2024. The award follows a spectacular individual campaign in the Men’s Under-20 World Cup where Farhan’s bat did the talking on the biggest stage.
Farhan’s journey to the award was defined by a rare feat in international T20 cricket: scoring two centuries in a single edition of the T20 World Cup. In a format where a hundred is a career milestone, Farhan reached the three-figure mark twice, displaying a blend of raw power and calculated aggression that stood out as a rare bright spot for Pakistan in an otherwise disappointing campaign.
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His scoring spree began in the group stages against Namibia in Colombo, where he smashed an unbeaten 100 off 58 balls to secure Pakistan a place in the Super Eights. He followed it up with a second clinical century against Sri Lanka in Pallekele. Methodically dismantling a top-order attack, Farhan’s hundred, combined with a record 176-run opening stand with Fakhar Zaman, chased Pakistan to a total of 212.
By the end of the tournament, Farhan had amassed a staggering 383 runs, he comfortably surpassed Virat Kohli’s 2014 record of 319 runs for the most in a single edition of the T20 World Cup.
However, the prestige of the ICC award comes at a complicated time for the opening batter. Despite his individual heroics, Farhan was among the Pakistani players fined by the PCB after the team’s overall poor show in the T20 World Cup.
The decision to fine a player who had just scored two centuries in the World Cup sparked intense debate among fans and pundits. While the PCB cited collective responsibility for the team’s early exit, many argue that Farhan’s record contributions should have shielded him from such punitive measures.
Thinking about the recognition, Farhan remained humble and focused on the global stage where he made his mark.
“It’s an incredible feeling to win this ICC award, especially for your performances on the World Cup stage where fans from all over the world are watching every moment. That makes it even more special,” said Farhan.
He also stressed that his individual success was a product of the team environment, despite any results.
“It was truly a tournament that I will always cherish and I am determined to carry this momentum forward in the series and competitions. I am deeply grateful to my teammates for their constant support and belief in me – it would not have been possible without them.”
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Issued by:
Akshay Ramesh
Published on:
March 23, 2026 6:53 PM IST
