Mohammad Rizwan (Image credit: PSL) NEW DELHI: Should Mohammad Rizwan consider following Salman Ali Agha’s path and stepping back from T20Is? The question came up when he addressed the media after his side RawalPindiz slumped to yet another defeat, this time against Lahore Qalandars in the Pakistan Super League. RawalPindiz remain rooted to the bottom of the table having lost all seven matches so far.Agha recently said that he is open to stepping away from T20Is if it helps him prepare better for the 2027 ODI World Cup and the ongoing World Test Championship cycle.
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Kagiso Rabada Press Conference: On Shubman Gill, GT win and clean run Rizwan was under pressure during the press conference.However, the goalkeeper gave an honest and introspective assessment of his recent form and made it clear that he has never shied away from self-criticism.“When I was playing in the Big Bash League, after I was selected, I clearly said there that I don’t deserve a place in the Pakistan team based on that performance. I was the same person who was sitting in front of you and you were the ones who said I can’t hit sixes, if you remember,” Rizwan said.The right-hander also revealed a candid chat with teammate Haris Rauf, stressing that his honesty about his performances goes beyond public statements.“Even now, to be honest – Haris Rauf is sitting right at the back and if we had that conversation, he’s a witness. When we were there at dinner, I told Haris that with my current performance in the Big Bash League, I don’t deserve a place in the Pakistan team. I can’t repeat the words he told me then – but he knows that,” he said.Taking responsibility, Rizwan admitted his shortcomings but insisted that he was still determined to fight through this difficult phase rather than retire from the game.“What I want to say is this: we are all human. I have admitted from the beginning that I have made mistakes and my performance was not up to par. But that does not mean that I will lose heart, sit in front of you defeated or quit cricket. If I have the strength, I will continue. If not, I even went to the Pakistan captain before and said that my performance should not be good. My junior should not get a chance.”Responding to criticism of his form, the right-handed batsman reiterated his willingness to shoulder responsibility and face tough questions.“I’ve said it many times – even when Sarfaraz Ahmed was with the team. And I’ll keep saying it again. I’m not afraid of questions and I’m not afraid of the media. If there’s something wrong with me, then it’s not. And if you think I should retire at this age, I will,” Rizwan declared.He also spoke of his deep passion for cricket, stressing that the sport remains central to his life despite the current challenges.Rizwan admitted his recent failures and promised to come back stronger with more effort and determination.“Cricket is my passion – it comes first. Be it T20Is, Tests or ODIs, I love cricket. I play because I can’t do anything else in life. I have nothing to do and I don’t play any other sport,” he said.“Yes, right now I failed. I’m sitting here in front of you with no performance. Maybe I didn’t work hard enough. Maybe I’ll come back stronger with more effort and face you again. But right now, my hard work wasn’t enough – and that’s why you’re seeing these results,” he concluded.
