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Mohammad Rizwan, during the post-match press conference after Pakistan's win over South Africa in the first ODI:
Question: Rizwan, you have also captained the Pakistani team. Today, after winning the toss, the decision was made to field. We won and we won very well. What is your assessment of the decision to win the toss and field?
Mohammad Rizwan: Bismillah-ir-Rahman-ir-Rahim. Look, you make decisions based on the situation, keeping certain things in mind. The thought in all our minds was the dew factor; that dew would set in later. That was the one factor because of which all of us agreed that we should bowl first here. Otherwise, the pitch generally plays better in the first innings, which makes it easier for the batting team. Our bowlers certainly put in a lot of effort. Nonetheless, we can't be negative about this decision, even if there is some criticism, because we collectively decided on it. We went with bowling first because the dew settles here quite heavily, which dictates that you should bowl first.
Question: If Babar and Salman had gotten out and God forbid the team had lost, there could have been regrets over not finishing the match despite Pakistan being in an easy winning position.
Mohammad Rizwan: Yes, there would definitely have been regret. And we really should have finished the game. Everyone knew the conditions were tough for us. When we were batting, it wasn't easy; sometimes the ball was skidding, sometimes bouncing, sometimes gripping. We made mistakes, even though we were close. Your point is absolutely correct that we needed to finish it. Insha'Allah, we will try to learn from these mistakes and ensure we finish the game next time.
Question: What was the atmosphere like in today's match? This was a historic moment—the revival of cricket here after 17 years. What were your thoughts?
Mohammad Rizwan: In all of Pakistan, whether it's the crowd in Faisalabad, Peshawar, Quetta, or Lahore, they always pack the stadium. We, as players, know this. But what’s important for Pakistan is the message the touring teams take back. They witnessed today that even if one of our own fans is shouting in support of the opposition, they were surprised inside the ground. I felt it was wonderful because our crowd supports cricket. The fact that they support whoever is playing well is a very positive sign. Wherever the crowd is, we will continue to draw passion and energy from them.
Question: You have played a lot of cricket and have made a comeback in ODI cricket here. Is it possible that in the coming days, we might see your T20 comeback as well?
Mohammad Rizwan: Look, that is a question you need to ask the Head Coach and the Selection Committee. These things are not in my hands. The only thing in my hands—by the grace of Allah—is hard work. I will continue to work hard. I will try my best to avail any opportunity that comes my way. I really can't say anything more about this; I don't have the words to answer that question.
Question: When you were captain, you said, "We are all captains." Now, under Shaheen's leadership, do you feel any extra pressure, or do you still believe that everyone is a captain?
Mohammad Rizwan: My words from the beginning were that under my captaincy, everyone is a captain. Therefore, Shaheen was already a captain in my eyes. If he has officially become the captain, there is no personal change in our dynamic because he was already a leader. Whoever comes next will also be a captain for me. You must have seen today that there is absolutely no difference; I am still providing all my input, advice, and ideas as I did before. I am happy that we understand that we must play under pressure. International cricket doesn't exist without pressure. When there are 17,000 people in the stadium and the whole of Pakistan is watching, there will always be pressure.
Question: Rizwan, you have also captained the Pakistani team. Today, after winning the toss, the decision was made to field. We won and we won very well. What is your assessment of the decision to win the toss and field?
Mohammad Rizwan: Bismillah-ir-Rahman-ir-Rahim. Look, you make decisions based on the situation, keeping certain things in mind. The thought in all our minds was the dew factor; that dew would set in later. That was the one factor because of which all of us agreed that we should bowl first here. Otherwise, the pitch generally plays better in the first innings, which makes it easier for the batting team. Our bowlers certainly put in a lot of effort. Nonetheless, we can't be negative about this decision, even if there is some criticism, because we collectively decided on it. We went with bowling first because the dew settles here quite heavily, which dictates that you should bowl first.
Question: If Babar and Salman had gotten out and God forbid the team had lost, there could have been regrets over not finishing the match despite Pakistan being in an easy winning position.
Mohammad Rizwan: Yes, there would definitely have been regret. And we really should have finished the game. Everyone knew the conditions were tough for us. When we were batting, it wasn't easy; sometimes the ball was skidding, sometimes bouncing, sometimes gripping. We made mistakes, even though we were close. Your point is absolutely correct that we needed to finish it. Insha'Allah, we will try to learn from these mistakes and ensure we finish the game next time.
Question: What was the atmosphere like in today's match? This was a historic moment—the revival of cricket here after 17 years. What were your thoughts?
Mohammad Rizwan: In all of Pakistan, whether it's the crowd in Faisalabad, Peshawar, Quetta, or Lahore, they always pack the stadium. We, as players, know this. But what’s important for Pakistan is the message the touring teams take back. They witnessed today that even if one of our own fans is shouting in support of the opposition, they were surprised inside the ground. I felt it was wonderful because our crowd supports cricket. The fact that they support whoever is playing well is a very positive sign. Wherever the crowd is, we will continue to draw passion and energy from them.
Question: You have played a lot of cricket and have made a comeback in ODI cricket here. Is it possible that in the coming days, we might see your T20 comeback as well?
Mohammad Rizwan: Look, that is a question you need to ask the Head Coach and the Selection Committee. These things are not in my hands. The only thing in my hands—by the grace of Allah—is hard work. I will continue to work hard. I will try my best to avail any opportunity that comes my way. I really can't say anything more about this; I don't have the words to answer that question.
Question: When you were captain, you said, "We are all captains." Now, under Shaheen's leadership, do you feel any extra pressure, or do you still believe that everyone is a captain?
Mohammad Rizwan: My words from the beginning were that under my captaincy, everyone is a captain. Therefore, Shaheen was already a captain in my eyes. If he has officially become the captain, there is no personal change in our dynamic because he was already a leader. Whoever comes next will also be a captain for me. You must have seen today that there is absolutely no difference; I am still providing all my input, advice, and ideas as I did before. I am happy that we understand that we must play under pressure. International cricket doesn't exist without pressure. When there are 17,000 people in the stadium and the whole of Pakistan is watching, there will always be pressure.
