New Delhi: Should Mohammad Rizwan consider following Salman Ali Agha’s path and stay away from T20Is? The issue loomed large when he addressed the media after his team Rawal Pindiz suffered yet another heavy defeat in the Pakistan Super League, this time against Lahore Qalandars. Rawal Pindiz remains bottom of the table, having lost all seven games so far.
Agha recently said that he is willing to retire from T20Is if it helps him prepare better for the 2027 ODI World Cup and the ongoing World Test Championship cycle.
At the press conference, Rizwan was under pressure.
However, the wicketkeeper-batsman gave an honest and introspective assessment of his recent performances, making 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 made it clear there that based on my performance, I did not deserve a place in the Pakistan team. I am the same person who is sitting in front of you and if you remember, you are the ones who said I cannot hit sixes,” Rizwan said.
The right-hander also revealed a candid conversation with teammate Harris Lauf, emphasizing that his honesty about his performance goes beyond public statements.
“Even now, and I’ll be honest, Haris Rauf was sitting right back and if we had that conversation, he was a witness. When we had dinner there, I told Haris that with my current performance in the Big Bash League, I didn’t deserve a place in the Pakistan team. What he said to me then, I can’t repeat – but he knew,” he said.
Rizwan stressed the sense of responsibility, acknowledging his shortcomings but insisting he remained determined to get through this difficult phase rather than quit the game.
“What I want to say is this: We are all human. I have admitted from the beginning that I made mistakes and my performance was not up to par. But that does not mean that I will lose courage and sit down and fail in front of you, or quit cricket. If I have the strength, I will continue. If not, I have even gone to the Pakistan captain and said that my performance was not good and my juniors should be given a chance,” he said.
Responding to criticism over his performance, the right-handed batsman reiterated his willingness to take responsibility and face tough issues.
“I have said it many times – even when Sarfaraz Ahmed was in the team. I will still say it again. I am not afraid of doubts and I am not afraid of the media. If there is something wrong with me, it is not right. If you think I should retire at this age, I will,” Rizwan said.
He also spoke of his deep passion for cricket, stressing that despite the current difficulties, the game remains at the heart of his life.
Rizwan acknowledged his recent defeat and vowed to come back stronger with greater effort and determination.
“For me, cricket is the passion – it comes first. Be it T20Is, Tests or ODIs, I love cricket. I play cricket because I don’t know anything else in life. I have no business and I don’t play any other sport,” he said.
“Yes, I failed now. I’m sitting in front of you and I didn’t show anything. Maybe I didn’t try hard enough. Maybe I will try harder and get stronger and face you again. But right now, my effort is not enough – that’s why you see these results,” he concluded.
