'I don't deserve a place in Pakistan team': Pakistan star Mohammad Rizwan's shocking admission after PSL slump - Watch
Mohammad Rizwan acknowledged his recent poor form after his team's PSL defeat, admitting he doesn't deserve his Pakistan place based on current performance. He emphasised self-criticism and accountability, stating he's not afraid of tough questions or retirement if his performance doesn't improve, but remains determined to fight through the slump.
NEW DELHI: Should Mohammad Rizwan consider following the path of Salman Ali Agha and step away from T20Is? That question loomed large as 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 of their matches so far.
Agha recently said he is open to stepping away from T20Is if that helps him prepare better for the 2027 ODI World Cup and the ongoing World Test Championship cycle. Rizwan was under pressure during the press conference. However, the wicketkeeper-batter delivered an honest and introspective assessment of his recent form, making it clear that he has never shied away from self-criticism.
“When I was playing in the Big Bash League, after I got selected, I clearly said there that based on this performance, I don’t deserve a place in the Pakistan team. I was the same person sitting in front of you, and you people were the ones who said I couldn’t hit sixes, if you remember," Rizwan said. The right-hander also revealed a candid conversation with teammate Haris Rauf, underlining that his honesty about his performances goes beyond public statements.
"Even now, I’m being honest - Haris Rauf is sitting right behind, and if we had that conversation, he is a witness. When we were having dinner there, I told Haris that with my current performance in the Big Bash League, I don’t deserve a place in the Pakistan team. The words he said to me at that time, I can’t repeat - but he knows," he stated.