Sahibzada Farhan clinches ICC POTM award for Feb 2026

LAHORE, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 23rd Mar, 2026) Free-flowing Pakistan opener Sahibzada Farhan has been declared the ICC Men’s Player of the Month for February 2026 after a stellar display with the bat at the Men’s T20 World Cup.

It is the icing on the cake that Sahibzada Farhan received the award on March 23, Pakistan Day, when the nation celebrates the adoption of the Pakistan Resolution at the historic Minar-e-Pakistan in 1940. The historic day paved the way for freedom from British rule and the creation of Pakistan on August 14, 1947.

According to an ICC media release on Monday, Pakistan opener Sahibzada Farhan has been named the ICC Men’s Player of the Month for February 2026 following a stunning campaign in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 in Sri Lanka.

The highest run-scorer of the marquee event, he amassed 383 runs in seven matches (six innings) at an average of 76.60, including two centuries and two half-centuries. The hard-hitting right-hander enjoyed a superb run at the global event, boasting a strike rate of 160.25 while breaking the longstanding record for most runs in a single edition of the T20 World Cup, previously held by Virat Kohli.

This is the first time Farhan has won the monthly ICC award, becoming the first Pakistani male cricketer to achieve the feat since pacer Haris Rauf in November 2024.

“It’s an incredible feeling to win this ICC award, especially for performances on the World Cup stage, where fans from all over the world are watching every moment. That makes it even more special,” he said.

“It was truly a tournament I’ll always cherish, and I’m determined to carry this momentum forward in the series and competitions ahead. I’m deeply grateful to my teammates for their constant support and belief in me — this wouldn’t have been possible without them.”

The opener also became the first batter to score two centuries (against Namibia and Sri Lanka) in a single edition of a T20 World Cup. He achieved a new career-high rating in the latest Men’s T20I batting rankings, moving to second place after an outstanding century against Sri Lanka in Pallekele.

He was also involved in a record 176-run partnership — the highest for any wicket in T20Is — with Fakhar Zaman. Despite a five-run victory against the co-hosts, Pakistan could not qualify for the semi-final stage due to a lower net run rate.

As a result of his memorable performances, the 29-year-old was named in the ICC Team of the Tournament, registering scores of 47, 73, 0, 100*, DNB, 63, and 100 across seven matches.

His consistency has been fittingly rewarded with the ICC Men’s Player of the Month honour.