After Pakistan's recent defeats in both the ICC Champions Trophy and the ODI series, national team captain Mohammad Rizwan faced the media in a candid and revealing press conference. Rizwan openly discussed the team's shortcomings, his own leadership challenges, and the ongoing criticism faced by senior players. Here are the key takeaways from his conversation with the press.
🔹 Struggles in the Final 10 Overs
Rizwan acknowledged that Pakistan's most significant issue lies in the last phase of the game:
“Most of our success used to come in the first 40 overs. But since the Champions Trophy and the Tri-Series, we’ve been unable to maintain control in the final 10 overs.”
He emphasized that the management is aware of this pattern and working to address the problem, with hopes of delivering consistent performances throughout the entire 50 overs of the match.
🔹 Captaincy Under Pressure
When asked about the pressure of leading the team during such a critical time, Rizwan responded humbly:
“Criticism is your right when the team doesn’t deliver. I’ve never shied away from taking responsibility. Wherever I’ve made mistakes, I’ve accepted them—publicly and internally.”
Despite being just six months into his captaincy, Rizwan made it clear that he is willing to accept fair criticism but won’t engage with baseless blame.
🔹 Toss Decisions and Conditions in New Zealand
Rizwan was also questioned about his toss decisions—opting to bowl first in all three matches and losing all:
“Ask any international player—they’ll agree that in New Zealand, with a green pitch and 11:00 am start, bowling first is the logical call.”
He admitted that the strategy didn’t pay off but defended the decision as being based on standard cricketing logic given the conditions.
🔹 On Being Dropped from the T20 Squad
Rizwan and Babar Azam were recently excluded from the upcoming T20 squad, sparking criticism and debate:
“It’s not my job to comment on selection. That’s the selectors’ domain. Yes, we need to finish matches better. We haven’t been able to close games, and that’s showing in our results.”
He acknowledged that senior players need to take more responsibility in match-finishing roles.
🔹 Is Pakistan Cricket in Decline?
Responding to concerns about the team's repeated failures, Rizwan offered a brutally honest assessment:
“We must stop fooling ourselves and the public with false hope. Our biggest weaknesses are a lack of awareness and professionalism. Until we fix these, we will not meet the expectations of our nation.”
He expressed hope but stressed the importance of serious reforms and accountability at all levels of Pakistan cricket.
Mohammad Rizwan's press conference marks a rare moment of openness and self-reflection in Pakistan cricket. His remarks underline the need for long-term strategic planning, better execution under pressure, and greater professionalism.
As fans and critics await the next chapter in Pakistan’s cricketing journey, one thing is clear: Rizwan is ready to take accountability—and he's calling on the rest of the system to do the same.
