Mohammad Rizwan entered PSL 2025 as Multan Sultans’ captain and Pakistan’s leader with a reputation for consistency. But this season, his baffling tactics, rapid decline in form, and stubborn decision-making have raised serious questions about his future as a captain—and even as a starter.
Let’s start the Study and Enquiry of where it’s all going wrong.
✔ Demote in Batting Order: Use him at No. 5 as a finisher, not an opener. Or just get rid of him altogether, his batting style isn't a fit for today's game anyway.
✔ PCB Must Act: Stop favoring "safe" players—experiment with Saim Ayub, Azam Khan, or Muhammad Haris.
Agree? Disagree? Let’s debate in the comments!
#PSL2025 #Rizwan #PakistanCricket
Let’s start the Study and Enquiry of where it’s all going wrong.
1. PSL 2025: Rizwan’s Captaincy Blunders
A. Batting Order Chaos
- Holding Himself Too High: Despite a strike rate below 120 in PSL 2025, Rizwan insisted on opening, slowing down Powerplays. Youngsters like Usman Khan (SR 145+) were demoted or underused.
- Misusing Power Hitters: Players like Iftikhar Ahmed were sent too late (e.g., 15th over) when games were already lost.
B. Baffling Bowling Choices
- Overusing Struggling Bowlers: Leg-spinner Usama Mir (economy 9.5+) kept getting full quotas while part-timers like Iftikhar (economy 7.5) were ignored.
- Predictable Death Bowling: Same bowlers (Abbas Afridi, Jordan) were repeatedly smashed in crunch overs with no backup plans.
C. Defensive Field Placements
- No Aggression in Powerplays: Allowing easy boundaries instead of attacking fields for wickets. Too many gaps on the on side and baffling decision to persist with field on off side when bowlers are not bowling there.
2. National Team: Rizwan’s Freefall in Form & Leadership
A. Worst-Ever T20I Slump (2024-25)
- Strike Rate Crisis: Stuck at 125 SR in T20Is (below modern standards) while rivals like Phil Salt (SR 165+) dominate.
- Middle-Order Failures: As a No. 4 batter, his inability to accelerate (e.g., 28 off 25 balls vs. NZ) cost Pakistan games.
B. Stubborn Tactics
- Ignoring Young Talent: Players like Haris (better SR) were benched for Rizwan’s "experience."
- Bowling Mismanagement: In the 2024 T20 WC, spinners (Shadab, Nawaz) were over-bowled despite poor form.
C. Defensive Mindset
- Playing for Stats, Not Wins: Crawling to 30s/40s instead of taking risks (e.g., PSL 2025: 38 off 27 balls in a chase of 203 against United ).
- No Adaptability: Same old "anchor role" in a high-scoring T20 era.
3. Why Is Rizwan Still Captain?
- PCB’s Loyalty Bias: Prefers "safe" choices over bold changes.
- Lack of Alternatives: Babar’s previous failures and horrible stint of Shaheen left no clear successor.
- Media Protection: Stats (averages) hide his match-losing SR and rigidity.
The Way Forward
✔ Drop Rizwan as Captain: Give leadership to Shadab Khan or groom Muhammad Haris✔ Demote in Batting Order: Use him at No. 5 as a finisher, not an opener. Or just get rid of him altogether, his batting style isn't a fit for today's game anyway.
✔ PCB Must Act: Stop favoring "safe" players—experiment with Saim Ayub, Azam Khan, or Muhammad Haris.
Final Verdict
Rizwan’s declining form, outdated approach, and tactical failures are hurting Pakistan. Unless he reinvents himself or the PCB makes tough calls, Pakistan’s T20 future looks bleak at best.Agree? Disagree? Let’s debate in the comments!
