Pakistan wicketkeeper-batsman Mohammad Rizwan admitted his struggles in the shortest format during the PSL 2026 season. Amid questions over his future with the national cricket team in the shorter format, the Rawalpindi skipper said his current batting form does not justify a place in Pakistan’s T20I squad.
In the PSL match on Saturday, April 18, Lahore Qalandars defeated Rawalpindi by 32 runs. Rawalpindi is winless in the ongoing tournament even after seven matches. Captain Mohammad Rizwan scored just nine runs off nine balls before being dismissed during the chase, putting pressure on his team.
I don’t deserve a place in the Pakistan team – Mohammad Rizwan
Mohammad Rizwan was asked about his recent franchise struggles. The wicketkeeper admitted that his current statistics do not justify immediate selection for Pakistan. Rizwan recalled a discussion with Haris Rauf, where he admitted his batting problems and talked about making a comeback.
Rizwan said, “When I was playing in the Big Bash, the team was selected. I went there and said that with my current performance I do not deserve a place in the Pakistan team.”
“But I am the same person who was sitting here in front of you, and you told me that I could not hit a sixer, if you remember. I am honest. Haris (Rauf) is sitting behind; he is a witness.”
He said, “We talked about it. We were eating there and I told Harris that I don’t deserve a place in the Pakistan team with such performances. He said something to me which I can’t say in front of you. He knows. He is sitting there.”
This does not mean that I will lose hope – Mohammad Rizwan
Mohammad Rizwan admitted his poor form but made it clear that he would not lose hope or walk away from cricket. The Rawalpindi captain also revealed that he had earlier told Sarfaraz Ahmed to give chances to others when his form was poor.
“But, I tell you that we are human beings. I said in the beginning that I have made a mistake. My performance is not good. But that does not mean that I will lose hope and sit down. Or I will quit cricket. If I have the strength, I will do that.”
He said, “If I don’t do that, I have already told the captains that my performance is not good. When I was not doing well, give a chance to someone else. There are examples. When Saifi bhai was with the team, I did that. I am not afraid of anyone; if something is wrong, it is wrong.”
I don’t know anything else in my life – Mohammad Rizwan
The Rawalpindi captain has scored just 107 runs in seven matches at an average of 15.28, including one duck at a strike rate of 116.30. Earlier in the Big Bash League, he had scored 187 runs in ten matches at an average of 18.70.
Rizwan told about his passion for cricket. The opening batsman said he is committed to improving through hard work and believes he can regain his place in the national team.
“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 have any business. I don’t play any other sport. I only play cricket.”
“Yes, I am losing now. My performance is not good. But by the will of God, my hard work never diminishes. I have worked hard. By the will of God, I will stand in front of you again after my hard work,” Rizwan concluded.
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