Congratulations to Mohammad Rizwan on being named ICC Men's T20I Cricketer of the Year

[MenInG]

Sheer Consistency, indomitable spirit and some breathtaking knocks — the ICC Men's T20I Cricketer of the Year enjoyed a memorable run in 2021. Here, we take a look at his performances and some outstanding achievements through the course of the year.

Mohammad Rizwan – Pakistan

1326 runs in 29 matches at an average of 73.66 with one century; 24 dismissals.


The year that was

The Pakistan wicketkeeper-batter ruled the roost in 2021 when it came to the shortest format of the game. Aggregating a staggering 1326 runs in only 29 matches, Rizwan struck at an average of 73.66 and a strike-rate of 134.89. Apart from his exploits with the bat, he was as solid as ever behind the stumps, playing a key role in Pakistan's run to the semis during the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2021, where he ended up as the third-highest run-scorer.

He also scored the maiden T20I century of his career against South Africa in Lahore early in the year and ended it continuing his form with a brilliant knock of 87 against West Indies in Karachi. With another T20 World Cup coming up next year, Pakistan will hope that Rizwan continues in the same vein.


Memorable Performance

Though a chase of 152 looked easy on paper, Pakistan had the weight of history against them in the T20 World Cup encounter against India. With the likes of Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammad Shami in opposition attack, the task was made all the more complicated. But as was almost always the case in 2021, Rizwan along with his skipper Babar Azam ensured that a famous victory would be sealed that would be celebrated in the history of Pakistan cricket for years to come.

Rizwan smacked 79* in only 55 deliveries, hitting six fours and three sixes. The ease with which he countered the Indian bowling attack was a thing of sheer beauty. He ensured that there were no hiccups in the run-chase as Pakistan galloped towards the target without losing a single wicket to seal a 10-wicket victory.

https://www.icc-cricket.com/news/2456555

 

[MenInG]

Well deserved a great honour for Pakistan too!

 

[Major]

Im really proud of this guy. A big moment for pakistan cricket.

This is the biggest personal accolade a player can get, an ICC award.

He is the best keeper and keeper batsmen pamistan ever produced. Rashid, moin and all of our keepers of the psst are no where near.

This award should be the writing for sarfraz ahmed aswell who still thinks he was done wrong.

And to think, that imad waseem, who thinks he can be the captain of the national team and had issue with shadab leading, that guy had made rizwan sit out for Chadwick Walton in the psl all those years. KK could have had babar and rizwan opening for them had they not made that fool Imad as captain. Mickey arthur aswell promoted Imad as captain and just shows how much of a disastour mickey arthur himself was as he had no idea how to use his players.

Misbahs decision to make this keeper open in domestic and international is what made fortunes. Eben rizwan has admitted now that it was misbah who asked hi mto.open in domestic and not razzaq.

This guy was a talent that was waiting to unleash. He could had been wasted had he been under the likes of imad or mickey arthur or the pakistani fans who think just blind hitting is what you need in t20.

May he continue to achieve more. Really really happy for this guy. An inspiration for all of us.

 

[arif_2021]

he should dedicate this award to Imad Wasim...

But he's too good of a human being to do that

 

[arif_2021]

Im really proud of this guy. A big moment for pakistan cricket.

This is the biggest personal accolade a player can get, an ICC award.

He is the best keeper and keeper batsmen pamistan ever produced. Rashid, moin and all of our keepers of the psst are no where near.

This award should be the writing for sarfraz ahmed aswell who still thinks he was done wrong.

And to think, that imad waseem, who thinks he can be the captain of the national team and had issue with shadab leading, that guy had made rizwan sit out for Chadwick Walton in the psl all those years. KK could have had babar and rizwan opening for them had they not made that fool Imad as captain. Mickey arthur aswell promoted Imad as captain and just shows how much of a disastour mickey arthur himself was as he had no idea how to use his players.

Misbahs decision to make this keeper open in domestic and international is what made fortunes. Eben rizwan has admitted now that it was misbah who asked hi mto.open in domestic and not razzaq.

This guy was a talent that was waiting to unleash. He could had been wasted had he been under the likes of imad or mickey arthur or the pakistani fans who think just blind hitting is what you need in t20.

May he continue to achieve more. Really really happy for this guy. An inspiration for all of us.

Well Mickey Arthur had Sarfraz who was basically carrying the team from 2015-2017 (WC 2015, 2016 ENG ODIs/T20S, CT 2017).
Sarfraz was a major upgrade from Misbah...so Sarfraz's position was not debatable.

Rizwan really came into the picture after Sarfaraz and Mickey. Yes Sarfaraz had a horrible 2018 as he got lazy after the CT 2017 win, but he is also a great keeper with excellent leadership skills. You dont win big tournaments, absorb pressure like U19 WC and CT 2017 when you're a no-body team (just look at his performances against SL, captaincy vs England and then completely out maneuvering India in final). Sarfraz will always be remembered for these huge victories - thats his legacy irrespective of you like him or not.

Rizwan is just a different breed. Very professional, humble, and glue of the team.

We are very lucky to have a gun WK/batsman as that allows for an extra bowler or all rounder.

 

[YousafTheBeast]

Im really proud of this guy. A big moment for pakistan cricket.

This is the biggest personal accolade a player can get, an ICC award.

He is the best keeper and keeper batsmen pamistan ever produced. Rashid, moin and all of our keepers of the psst are no where near.

This award should be the writing for sarfraz ahmed aswell who still thinks he was done wrong.

And to think, that imad waseem, who thinks he can be the captain of the national team and had issue with shadab leading, that guy had made rizwan sit out for Chadwick Walton in the psl all those years. KK could have had babar and rizwan opening for them had they not made that fool Imad as captain. Mickey arthur aswell promoted Imad as captain and just shows how much of a disastour mickey arthur himself was as he had no idea how to use his players.

Misbahs decision to make this keeper open in domestic and international is what made fortunes. Eben rizwan has admitted now that it was misbah who asked hi mto.open in domestic and not razzaq.

This guy was a talent that was waiting to unleash. He could had been wasted had he been under the likes of imad or mickey arthur or the pakistani fans who think just blind hitting is what you need in t20.

May he continue to achieve more. Really really happy for this guy. An inspiration for all of us.

“I have been provided a plan by Abdul Razzaq, who is our head coach and also a national selector, to open the innings and I am happy that it is paying off,” Rizwan was quoted as saying by the Pakistan Cricket Board’s (PCB)

I guess Rizwan was lying here and [MENTION=135038]Major[/MENTION] was correct, after all he knows Rizwan better than Rizwan knows himself.

 

[Rana]

This is a farce

Mitchel Marsh was the real T20 player of the year!

 

[Major]

“I have been provided a plan by Abdul Razzaq, who is our head coach and also a national selector, to open the innings and I am happy that it is paying off,” Rizwan was quoted as saying by the Pakistan Cricket Board’s (PCB)

I guess Rizwan was lying here and [MENTION=135038]Major[/MENTION] was correct, after all he knows Rizwan better than Rizwan knows himself. ��

These are Rizwans words, not mine.

 

[Abdurmirr]

Not good enough from Rizwan.

Should have broken all T20I records plus singlehandedly won us every T20 played this year. Our standards are way to low

 

[Major]

Well Mickey Arthur had Sarfraz who was basically carrying the team from 2015-2017 (WC 2015, 2016 ENG ODIs/T20S, CT 2017).
Sarfraz was a major upgrade from Misbah...so Sarfraz's position was not debatable.

Rizwan really came into the picture after Sarfaraz and Mickey. Yes Sarfaraz had a horrible 2018 as he got lazy after the CT 2017 win, but he is also a great keeper with excellent leadership skills. You dont win big tournaments, absorb pressure like U19 WC and CT 2017 when you're a no-body team (just look at his performances against SL, captaincy vs England and then completely out maneuvering India in final). Sarfraz will always be remembered for these huge victories - thats his legacy irrespective of you like him or not.

Rizwan is just a different breed. Very professional, humble, and glue of the team.

We are very lucky to have a gun WK/batsman as that allows for an extra bowler or all rounder.

CT? We would had been out of the tournament had Sri Lanka not dropped our catches.

When 2019 World Cup happened, we didnt get any other similar help and we were out of the tournament.

Sarfraz is a good keeper, but compared to Rizwan, he is nothing. Rizwan is more agile, he can dive. Rizwan can even field without the gloves and that shows how much a quality player he is in the field alone.

Sarfraz didnt carry the team, even in the 2015 world cup his 100 was against Ireland. Yes his batting improved but after 2017 the guy had become a joke of a batsmen and would never had lasted as a captain alone.

Sarfraz doesnt have any legacy no matter how you try. The leadership you talk about, well PSL is coming and we all know what Sarfraz would be doing, shouting at his bowlers after every over.

 

[YousafTheBeast]

View attachment 114316



These are Rizwans words, not mine.

That’s an image by Misbah’s agent, do you have a quote from an article or anything other than an image?

 

[ARK Rafay]

Well deserved. Congratulations Mohammad Rizwan. You have made Pakistan proud throughout 2021.

 

[DeadlyVenom]

This is a farce

Mitchel Marsh was the real T20 player of the year!

On what basis?

Mohammed Rizwan - 555 runs at an average of 92.50 ,SR 138

Mitchell Marsh - 375 runs at an average of 37.5, SR 127.

 

[CrIc_Mystique]

Congratulations and weel deserved. Very gracious and humble guy, livewire behind the wickets always geeing up the bowlers. He has had a phenomenal year. Well done.

 

[arif_2021]

CT? We would had been out of the tournament had Sri Lanka not dropped our catches.

When 2019 World Cup happened, we didnt get any other similar help and we were out of the tournament.

Sarfraz is a good keeper, but compared to Rizwan, he is nothing. Rizwan is more agile, he can dive. Rizwan can even field without the gloves and that shows how much a quality player he is in the field alone.

Sarfraz didnt carry the team, even in the 2015 world cup his 100 was against Ireland. Yes his batting improved but after 2017 the guy had become a joke of a batsmen and would never had lasted as a captain alone.

Sarfraz doesnt have any legacy no matter how you try. The leadership you talk about, well PSL is coming and we all know what Sarfraz would be doing, shouting at his bowlers after every over.

1. You're comparing PSL with U19 and CT in terms of legacy?
WOW. Please go and read what legacy means, and read the articles.

2. Like Rizwan had to wait for his time, Sarfraz had to wait for his chance also from Akmals. Infact Sarfraz had to wait a lot longer.

3. Now dropped catches are the cause of us succeeding in CT2017 against SL? Ok, in that case, rained out match against SL in WC 2019 was also the cause of Pakistan falling behind in wins in WC2019 which would have further confirmed Sarfaraz's legacy and leading the team in big tournaments. If Pakistan had made it to WC2019 SF, they would have been very difficult to beat. They had won 5 games in a row.

4. You're basically confirming my point about Sarfaraz's performance in WC2015. He not only scored a 100, he was also instrumental against key oppositions like South Africa in giving a fast start when no-one was performing. He was the beating heart that got rid of anesthetized Misbah and Waqar and it reflected in change. Babar, Imad, Fakhar, Hasan Ali are all performers that came in the team BECAUSE of sarfaraz...Mohammad Amir was encouraged by Sarfaraz when Hafeez and Azhar Ali did not want him.

You are missing his background contribution to the team. The core of this current team started their careers under Sarfaraz and he still did not have any ego to carry drinks on multiple tours.

So lets not bash the guy every chance we get without any merit.

 

[PakEngFan]

On what basis?

Mohammed Rizwan - 555 runs at an average of 92.50 ,SR 138

Mitchell Marsh - 375 runs at an average of 37.5, SR 127.

Purely based on his hate for Rizwan.

 

[in_cutter]

This is a farce

Mitchel Marsh was the real T20 player of the year!

And the award for the biggest hater goes to….RANA!!!

 

[Forward Defensive Push]

Richly deserved. Can’t think of anyone else who was so good!

 

[Saj]

A well deserved award.

Fantastic cricketer, team man, wonderful human being.

Pakistan cricket needs more such cricketers.

 

[Bhaag Viru Bhaag]

Best all format wicketkeeper batsman from Asia currently.

 

[gazza619]

A well deserved award.

Fantastic cricketer, team man, wonderful human being.

Pakistan cricket needs more such cricketers.

Also very importantly he is well loved and respected by all international players worldwide. What an asset!

 

[Major]

1. You're comparing PSL with U19 and CT in terms of legacy?
WOW. Please go and read what legacy means, and read the articles.

2. Like Rizwan had to wait for his time, Sarfraz had to wait for his chance also from Akmals. Infact Sarfraz had to wait a lot longer.

3. Now dropped catches are the cause of us succeeding in CT2017 against SL? Ok, in that case, rained out match against SL in WC 2019 was also the cause of Pakistan falling behind in wins in WC2019 which would have further confirmed Sarfaraz's legacy and leading the team in big tournaments. If Pakistan had made it to WC2019 SF, they would have been very difficult to beat. They had won 5 games in a row.

4. You're basically confirming my point about Sarfaraz's performance in WC2015. He not only scored a 100, he was also instrumental against key oppositions like South Africa in giving a fast start when no-one was performing. He was the beating heart that got rid of anesthetized Misbah and Waqar and it reflected in change. Babar, Imad, Fakhar, Hasan Ali are all performers that came in the team BECAUSE of sarfaraz...Mohammad Amir was encouraged by Sarfaraz when Hafeez and Azhar Ali did not want him.

You are missing his background contribution to the team. The core of this current team started their careers under Sarfaraz and he still did not have any ego to carry drinks on multiple tours.

So lets not bash the guy every chance we get without any merit.

He has no legacy what so ever. We won world t20 ubder younis but younis is never considered as t20 or limited overs legend..

You are right sarfraz had to wait and moin khan helped him getting a spot in the team. But sarfraz is to be blamed for what he was doing with this pathetic bstting ajd fitness from 2017 onwards. Because of him hogging a spot, Rizwan important years were being wasted.

Sarfraz played few games, he has no legacy no matter how hard you put in. All he does is sit on social media and rant as if the world did wrong to him when infact it was all his own fault..

How did sarfraz even got rid of misbah or waqar? Misbah left the odi team on his own terms and than from test in 2017 he left on his own terms. He had announced the west indies tour as his last before hand.

How did babar performed cause of sarfraz? How did fakhar or anyone performed because of him. Hasan ali was annoyed with the verbal diarrhea that would come from this captain.

If sarfraz is creddit to encouraging a corrupt player than thats just bad.

Sarfraz had no contribution and stop putting it like that. Most of these players came because of the psl.

His ego can be seen from time to time when he picks up online fights with journalists and other people.

This award rizwan has recieved will finally put an end to sarfrazs international career.

 

[Major]

That’s an image by Misbah’s agent, do you have a quote from an article or anything other than an image?

Rizwan said it on live television.

You can go to youtube and search it. He never mentioned razzaqs name and went on to say it was misbah that had him opened. He even said kpk had their own culture but even than misbah asked to open their so that i can experience the new ball and the pakistani team managment can get confidence from his opening in domestic.

He also mentioned that in domestic aswell when playing for sngpl he would open sometimes

 

[PakPremi]

Let's not make it Sarfraz vs Rizwan. Rizwan keeping at batting is different level to Sarfraz but Sarfraz also done very well for Pakistan. Rizwan is one of many stars Pakistan is producing amongst others like Shaheen, Babar, Shadab, Hasan Ali and lots of upcoming youngsters waiting for their opportunities. Pakistan cricket is certainly on the way up, despite lack of international matches available to them, and not much home games against top teams.

 

[Titan24]

Well deserved, he had such a dominating year in T20I cricket. He is and will be one of the key member of Pak team in important series and tournaments in coming years.

 

[Manunited18]

Well deserved. A very humble guy who performs very constantly in all formats.

 

[shah9425]

Congratulations well deserved hopefully he maintains it

 

[nextover666666]

Congrats to Rizwan, he really deserved it, it had to be him, and only him. What an inspiration he is, from a guy you wouldnt even think of playing t20 cricket, to let alone open for you, and be one of the main reason for Pakistans semi-final run. He was always a good wicket keeper and fielder, and he was a good batsman too but he worked on his game, to be even better and improved, his power hitting. He is what every young Pakistani cricketer should be. And that is the willingness to improve your game, and work on weakness.


Congratz to Fatima Sana for winning ICC emerging Womens Cricketer of the year 2021, very special talent as well.

 

[ExplicitAI]

What a meteoric rise from Rizwan, I have been amazed by his consistency and work ethic in 2021. An unbelievable talent that has managed to bulldoze Sarfraz and make a name for himself.

 

[Maliq_Mudasir]

Big congratulations to Rizwan. He richly deserved it.

When was the last time any Pakistan won player of the year in any format of the game ?

 

[JaDed]

Congratulations to Rizwan! well deserved

 

[sweep_shot]

Congratulations. He deserved it.

 

[shamaan]

Very well deserved.

 

[transparent opacity]

Beautiful shot!

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[transparent opacity]

Beautiful shot

<div style="width: 100%; height: 0px; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.250%;"><iframe src="https://streamable.com/e/b4twre" frameborder="0" width="100%" height="100%" allowfullscreen style="width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute;"></iframe></div>