Mohammad Rizwan takes responsibility as Rawalpindis exit after seven straight defeats
Mohammad Rizwan takes responsibility as Rawalpindis exit after seven straight defeats
By Nawaz Gohar ; Mohammad Rizwan, captain of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) franchise Rawalpindis, has addressed the primary reasons behind his team’s string of seven consecutive defeats and their subsequent elimination from the playoff race.
Speaking at a press conference following a decisive loss to Lahore Qalandars, Rizwan candidly admitted that his personal struggle with form had a direct and negative impact on the team’s overall performance.
“There was certainly a deficiency on my part, which is why we are seeing these results,” Rizwan stated. “I was opening the innings with a young player. While I have my own preferences regarding batting positions, the final decision is always a collective one made by the team management.”
The Rawalpindis skipper noted that finding silver linings becomes increasingly difficult during a losing streak, though he maintained that some aspects of their play remained encouraging. “If you look at the squad, there isn’t a glaring void in talent, but luck simply hasn’t been on our side,” he added.
Defending his leadership approach, Rizwan remarked that a leader should not be judged solely by outcomes. “As a captain, you can only put in the effort. If mistakes occur on the field, there is often little that can be done to reverse them in the moment.”
Addressing his personal future and critics, the veteran wicketkeeper-batsman reiterated his stance on national selection. “I have said before: if I don’t perform, I don’t deserve a spot in the Pakistan national team. But that doesn’t mean I am giving up. Cricket is my passion—it is all I know. I will put in the hard work and make a comeback.”
Rizwan confessed that the current slump marks the most challenging phase of his professional career. “I accept this as my failure. The only thing within my control now is to work harder than ever.”
The exit comes after Lahore Qalandars defeated Rawalpindis by 32 runs in HBL PSL 11. The loss marks Rawalpindis’ seventh consecutive defeat, leaving them as the only team in the tournament yet to secure a single victory.
