Former Pakistan cricketer Sikander Bakht has criticized national captain Mohammad Rizwan for opting out of the National T20 Cup. Bakht emphasized that Rizwan, who earns 60 lakhs per month, should participate in tournaments organized by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB).
Rizwan has been under intense scrutiny in recent months, particularly after his underwhelming performance as both captain and batter during the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. Pakistan suffered a group-stage exit in the tournament, losing all their matches. Rizwan’s struggles continued in ODIs, leading to his exclusion from the T20I squad for the New Zealand series, alongside other senior players.
Instead of competing in the PCB’s National T20 Cup, Rizwan chose to play club cricket, a decision that has drawn criticism from several former cricketers. Bakht has joined the chorus of disapproval, stating that Rizwan’s actions are disrespectful to the PCB.
Bakht argued, “They are employees of the Pakistan Cricket Board. They get 60 lakh per month, so they must play in the tournaments the PCB is organizing. The buck stops with the PCB. They have to ensure that players are available. If you’re playing club cricket instead of the board’s tournament, it means you’re insulting the PCB.”
He further urged PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi to take a stricter stance, suggesting that central contracts should be revoked for players who refuse to participate in domestic competitions. “Mohsin Naqvi needs to be strict. He comes off as a polite person, but he needs to change his ways. Stop their central contracts if they don’t comply,” Bakht added.
Rizwan’s next challenge will be the three-match ODI series against New Zealand, where he will aim to bounce back after scoring just 49 runs in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. Meanwhile, Pakistan is currently engaged in a T20I series against New Zealand under the leadership of Salman Agha, having lost the first two matches.
Also read: Watch: Haris Rauf EXPLODES at presser after loss to NZ, defends young Pakistan players
