Pakistan wicketkeeper Mohammad Rizwan surprised many with a candid answer about his T20I future during the post-match press conference, following Rawalpindi’s 32-run defeat by Lahore Qalandars in the Pakistan Super League on Saturday. Rizwan, who scored nine off nine balls, acknowledged his struggles and took full responsibility, admitting that his returns were not good enough.
Under mounting pressure, the Rawalpindi captain defied criticism and admitted that his recent form in T20 cricket has fallen short of expectations while insisting that he is not ready to retire from the format. With the team still winless after seven games, scrutiny of his leadership and position in the side intensified.
When asked if his recent performances, including with cricket franchises, had affected his chances of being picked for Pakistan’s T20 side, Rizwan did not shy away from the criticism. “When I played in the Big Bash, the team was selected. I went there and said that with my current performance, I don’t deserve a place in the Pakistan team,” he stated. Rizwan’s confession set the tone for a response that was both personal and decisive.
Rizwan further elaborated, “I’m the same person who was sitting here in front of you and you told me I can’t hit a six. Haris (Rauf) is sitting behind; he’s a witness. We talked about it. We ate there and I told Haris that I don’t deserve a place in the Pakistan team with that kind of performance.” He acknowledged his shortcomings but emphasized his determination to improve.
He continued, “We are human beings. I have made a mistake. My performance is not good. But that does not mean I will lose hope and sit. Or retire from cricket. If I have the strength, I will.” Rizwan accepted failure but rejected the idea of surrender. “If I don’t do it, I have already told the captains that my performance is not good. Give someone else a chance when I have not done well. There are examples. When Saifi bhai was with the team, I did it. I am not afraid of anyone, if something is wrong, it is wrong.”
Rizwan concluded on a personal note, “For me, cricket is a passion. I play T20, Test and ODI. I love cricket. That’s why I play it. I don’t know anything else in my life. I don’t do business. I don’t play any other sport. I only play cricket. Yes, I’m losing now. My performance is not God’s hard work. But thank God. Will, after hard work I will stand before you again.”
– The end
Issued by:
Saurabh Kumar
Published on:
19th April 2026 17:00 IST
