Mohammad Rizwan Faces Criticism for Skipping National T20 Cup
Pakistan cricket is once again surrounded by controversy, with ODI captain Mohammad Rizwan at the center of the latest drama. According to reports in Pakistani media, Rizwan chose to play club cricket instead of participating in the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB)-organized National T20 Cup. This decision has sparked widespread criticism, with former Pakistan pacer Sikander Bakht calling for strict action against the captain.
Criticism from Former Players
Sikander Bakht has openly urged PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi to take stern measures against Rizwan, including revoking his central contract. Bakht emphasized that centrally contracted players are essentially “employees” of the PCB and are obligated to participate in all board-organized tournaments.
“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. If you are playing club cricket and not participating in the board’s tournament, it means you are insulting the PCB,” Bakht said during a Geo Super interview.
He further urged Naqvi to be stricter in his approach, emphasizing the need for accountability among players. “Mohsin Naqvi comes off as a polite person, but he needs to change his ways. Be strict. Stop their central contracts,” Bakht added.
Rizwan’s Struggles in the Champions Trophy
Rizwan has already been under scrutiny following Pakistan’s disappointing performance in the ICC Men’s Champions Trophy, where the team failed to progress beyond the group stage. His captaincy was widely criticized, and his batting performances were underwhelming as well. In the two matches he played, he managed just 49 runs—scoring 3 against New Zealand and 46 against India.
His 46-run innings against India particularly drew criticism for its slow tempo, which some experts believe contributed to Pakistan’s loss. Rizwan had taken over the ODI captaincy from Babar Azam and initially found success by leading Pakistan to an ODI series victory against Australia in November 2024. However, the team’s performance has since declined significantly.
Calls for Change
Pakistan’s former fast bowler Sarfaraz Nawaz also questioned Rizwan’s leadership during the Champions Trophy, particularly highlighting his demeanor during the match against India.
“When I watched the toss, I saw the reaction of the Pakistan captain. He looked lost somewhere. I don’t know if it was due to pressure, but he didn’t look the same as he generally does,” Nawaz told Cricbuzz.
He further pointed out that Rizwan, known for his vocal presence on the field, appeared unusually quiet during the match, raising concerns about his mental approach and decision-making.
What’s Next for Rizwan?
With mounting criticism and calls for strict action from former players, Rizwan’s future as Pakistan’s ODI captain remains uncertain. Whether PCB takes disciplinary action against him for skipping the National T20 Cup remains to be seen. However, one thing is clear—Rizwan is facing a critical moment in his career, where his leadership and commitment to Pakistan cricket are being questioned.
What do you think about Rizwan’s decision to skip the National T20 Cup? Should PCB take strict action, or is the criticism unjustified? Let us know in the comments!
