Pakistan’s white-ball captain Mohammad Rizwan has expressed his pride and sense of responsibility in leading the national team, emphasizing that representing Pakistan is a dream for any cricketer, while the role of captain brings both honor and challenge. In a recent interview, Rizwan discussed his commitment to fulfilling the expectations of fans and balancing the pressures of leadership.
“Playing for Pakistan is a dream for every player, and to lead the team is an even greater honor,” Rizwan said. “This role is both a privilege and a responsibility, and I aim to strike a balance between the pride of captaincy and the pressure it brings.”
Reflecting on his previous experience captaining at Under-19, regional, and domestic levels, Rizwan acknowledged that while he never sought the role, he has learned from past captains who each had unique leadership styles. “I’ve learned from captains who were calm, passionate, or intense, and while I didn’t aspire to captaincy, I am committed to giving my best now that the responsibility has come my way,” he shared.
Rizwan spoke about his vision for uniting the team, highlighting the importance of camaraderie and shared responsibility. “A good captain brings the team together so it performs as one unit,” he explained. “We have a talented group of young players, and you’ll see each of them as leaders in their own right.”
He acknowledged the challenge of touring Australia, where past performances have posed difficulties, but expressed optimism. “Though history shows we’ve struggled in Australia, in the last Test series there, we were close to winning each match. We’re going with a mindset to compete fiercely, and the outcome is in Allah’s hands,” he added.
Rizwan also emphasized his long-term goal of developing future captains and wicketkeepers within the squad, particularly with major tournaments like the Champions Trophy and World Cup in mind. “It’s essential to have backup captains and keepers ready. Our focus should be on preparing for the Champions Trophy and World Cup,” he said.
Addressing fans, Rizwan urged positivity and unwavering support: “Our fans sometimes get upset with results, but their love for us remains. When we’re batting, expect boundaries, and when we’re bowling, anticipate wickets. Keep a positive mindset—we are giving our best efforts on the field.”
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