Kamal Ghorui
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.Emphasising accountability, Rizwan admitted his shortcomings but insisted he remains determined to fight through this difficult phase rather than walk away from the game.“I want to say this: we are all human. I admitted from the beginning that I made mistakes and my performance hasn’t been up to the mark. But that doesn’t mean I’ll lose courage, sit down in front of you defeated, or quit cricket. If I have the strength, I will continue. If not, I have even gone to the Pakistan captain before and said that my performance isn’t good and that my juniors should be given a chance,” he said.Responding to criticism over his form, the right-handed batter reiterated his willingness to be held accountable and to face tough questions.“I’ve said this many times – even when Sarfaraz Ahmed was with the team. And I will still say it again. I’m not afraid of questions, and I’m not afraid of the media. If something is not right in me, then it isn’t. And if you think I should retire at this age, I will,” Rizwan stated.He also spoke about his deep passion for cricket, stressing that the sport remains central to his life despite the current struggles.Admitting his recent failures, Rizwan vowed to return stronger with greater effort and determination.“For me, cricket is passion – it comes first. Whether it’s T20Is, Tests, or ODIs, I love cricket. I play 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’ve failed right now. I’m sitting here in front of you without performance. Maybe I didn’t work hard enough. Perhaps I’ll come back stronger with more effort and face you again. But right now, my hard work wasn’t enough – and that’s why you see these results,” he concluded.
