Pakistan wicketkeeper-batter and Multan Sultans skipper Mohammad Rizwan has stressed the importance of maintaining a clear boundary between cricket and politics. In a conversation with journalists in Lahore, Rizwan articulated that the realm of sports ought to remain distinct from political affairs. “I don’t engage with social media or political news, so I prefer focusing purely on cricket,” he explained.
He also highlighted the mutual respect shared among international cricketers, mentioning that players like Virat Kohli and Joe Root maintain a friendly and professional rapport, and there is always something to learn from their experiences.
In contemplating the recent departure of Multan Sultans from the Pakistan Super League (PSL), Rizwan acknowledged that the team’s shortcomings stemmed from inadequate decision-making and substandard fielding performance. He noted that while other teams prioritized spin options and adapted well to pitch conditions, his side failed to maintain consistency, especially in the field.
In his dual role as captain of a PSL team and the national squad, Rizwan recognized the inherent pressures of leadership, yet he underscored that these challenges are an integral aspect of the responsibilities he bears. He added that learning from failure and correcting mistakes is essential to moving forward.
Discussing the tactical side of modern T20 cricket, Rizwan pointed out that varying pitch conditions sometimes require a more cautious approach, where even lower scores can be difficult to chase. He encouraged players and fans alike to focus on playing according to conditions rather than drawing comparisons with others.
He also appreciated the competitive spirit and performances of other PSL teams, including Lahore Qalandars, Quetta Gladiators, Karachi Kings, and Islamabad United. He offered support to Babar Azam and Peshawar Zalmi, mentioning that better fielding might have changed their fate in the tournament.
