Pakistan Super League captain Mohammad Rizwan admits shortcomings after Rawalpindi’s defeat to Lahore Qalandars, saying his own form and planning fell below the standard required.
Speaking to the media after the loss, Rizwan said he has not performed well enough and openly questioned whether he currently deserves a place in the side. He also acknowledged that his struggles have affected the team’s overall results.
Rizwan said he takes responsibility for mistakes in both execution and planning. He described himself as human and accepted that flaws in his approach contributed to the poor performance.
He said the team could not meet the expected standard and admitted his own shortcomings played a part in the defeat. Even so, he made clear that he will not lose courage.
Rizwan Reflects on Rawalpindi’s Poor Run
Rizwan said defeats make it difficult to focus on positives. However, he added that the team still seeks encouraging signs, even after losing seven matches in a row.
He also pointed to unresolved squad issues, saying the team has not yet found a proper backup for Shadab Khan. At the same time, he said some players in the squad could still emerge as positive additions for Pakistan cricket.
Q: You didn’t perform in BBL or in Pindiz. It doesn’t look like you’ve got a future in the Pakistan team. Shouldn’t you retire from T20?
Muhammad Rizwan said, When I was playing in the BBL and the team got selected, I myself said I didn’t deserve a spot based on that… pic.twitter.com/8GCom9R5Yo
— Sheri. (@CallMeSheri1_) April 18, 2026Despite the disappointing run, Rizwan said the team’s wider objective this season remains the promotion of young players within the Rawalpindi setup.
That comment suggests the team is trying to balance immediate results with long-term development. While results have gone against them, Rizwan indicated that nurturing younger talent remains part of the plan.
Rizwan also said luck has not been on the team’s side. He described cricket as a game in which outcomes do not always go as expected, even when players play to the best of their ability.
Still, his strongest message centred on accountability. He said plainly that performances like his do not justify a place in the team. Yet he also stressed that mistakes will not weaken his resolve, adding that cricket remains his passion and a commitment he intends to keep honouring.
