Names don’t win matches, performance does: Mohammad Rizwan
By Nawaz Gohar ; Former national captain Mohammad Rizwan has stated that success in cricket is achieved through hard work and performance rather than big names, expressing confidence that rising young talent will take the national team to new heights in the future.
Speaking to the media following a defeat against the Hyderabad Kingsmen, Rizwan—captain of the PSL franchise Rawalpindis—expressed disappointment over his team’s performance.
He noted that despite heavy investment, the team failed to meet expectations, with a string of failures across 10 matches raising serious questions. He admitted that there were underlying flaws in the squad that were not addressed in time.
Rizwan mentioned that while injuries took a toll on the side, the younger players performed to the best of their abilities. He pinned his hopes on players like Saad Masood, Abdullah Fazal, Yasir Khan, Amad Butt, Ali Raza, and Sameer Minhas, stating that these youngsters will strengthen the future of Pakistan cricket. He also lauded Azam Khan’s hard work and expressed expectations for better results from him.
Expressing regret over Lahore Qalandars’ failure to reach the playoffs, Rizwan said he had hoped to see the defending champions in the final four. He admitted that in their own decisive match, his team failed to deliver in both the batting and fielding departments, wasting crucial opportunities.
Commenting on the league’s organization, Rizwan admitted he was surprised by the decision to hold the PSL under difficult circumstances, though he believes cricket remains a source of joy for the public. He welcomed the decision to allow fans at Gaddafi Stadium for the final, despite Lahore Qalandars not making the cut.
Reflecting on his personal form, Rizwan candidly admitted that his performance had been subpar, suggesting a potential lack of sufficient effort.
He noted that while he had successfully led his team to the finals for four consecutive years in the past, the current phase is a test for him, and he remains committed to delivering better performances in the future.
