Sahibzada Farhan of Pakistan Wins ICC Player of the Month for February 2026
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Dubai, March 23 (NationPress) - Pakistan's opener Sahibzada Farhan has been honored with the ICC Men's Player of the Month award for February 2026, following an impressive performance in the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026 held in Sri Lanka. Farhan emerged as the tournament's top run-scorer, accumulating 383 runs in just seven matches (six innings) at a remarkable average of 76.60, which included two centuries and two half-centuries.
The right-handed batsman had a phenomenal run during the global tournament, showcasing a strike rate of 160.25 and surpassing Virat Kohli's long-standing record for the most runs in a single T20 World Cup edition. He also made history by being the first player to score two centuries (against Namibia and Sri Lanka) in one global event of the shortest format.
Sahibzada clinched the award over competitors Will Jacks from England and Shadley van Schalwyk from the USA, as determined by a vote among global fans registered at icc-cricket.com as well as a panel of former international players and media experts.
This recognition marks the first time Farhan has received the monthly ICC award, making him the first male cricketer from Pakistan to achieve this since fast bowler Haris Rauf in November 2024.
"Winning this ICC award is an incredible honor, especially given the performances showcased on the World Cup stage, where fans from across the globe are watching every moment. This makes it even more special," Farhan expressed in an ICC release.
"The tournament was truly unforgettable, and I'm eager to sustain this momentum in upcoming series and competitions. I am immensely thankful to my teammates for their unwavering support and belief in me—this achievement would not have been possible without them."
Following his stellar performance, the 29-year-old achieved a new career-high rating in the Men's T20I Batting rankings, rising to the second position after his outstanding century against Sri Lanka in Pallekele. He also participated in a record-breaking partnership of 176 runs, the highest for any wicket in T20Is, alongside Fakhar Zaman.
Due to his remarkable run, Farhan secured a spot in the ICC Team of the Tournament with individual scores of 47, 73, 0, 100 not out, DNB, 63, and 100 across the seven matches.