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- Aug 29, 2023
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Mohammad Rizwan speaking to media ahead of the T20 series opener against Australia:
Strategy for the upcoming T20 series and challenges:
"Challenges are always part of international cricket, and you have to face them head-on. Right now, we're playing against Australia in Australia, which is never easy because of the tough conditions. As a team, we need to focus on what we can do better and the processes we follow. I've recently been appointed the white-ball captain, but I've been playing with this team for years. However, there are some things you can't adjust in just one series — it takes time. Hopefully, I'll be able to implement the ideas I have in mind."
About Playing 11 and Opening Pair:
"There’s been a lot of talk about the playing XI, but we’ve kept it a secret for now because there are some things I want to keep to myself. Once the decisions are finalized, we’ll share them. As for the opening, we always aim to stick with what’s working best, while also focusing on areas that need improvement. I always try to consult with others and make decisions that are in the best interest of Pakistan, whatever the situation may be."
About Players not in the Current Squad:
"The names you've mentioned—Imad Wasim, Mohammad Amir, Iftikhar Ahmed, and Fakhar Zaman—it's not easy to fill the gap they leave for Pakistan. You can’t replace them overnight; it takes time. All four have contributed a lot to the team, and it's hard to say how long it will take to fully fill their roles in the Pakistan lineup. Hopefully, with time, especially in T20s, we’ll find the right balance. But right now, our focus is on the current series and how we can field the best XI. We’re working on it, and we have something in mind for that."
About Carrying the Players:
“As I’ve said before, it's never about just individual players—it’s about producing talent for Pakistan. Wherever a player can fit in, we’ll make it work. Our priority is always what’s best for Pakistan. We have Zimbabwe, South Africa and Tri-series coming up so we’re hopeful that we will find the best players for Pakistan.”
About Jason Gillespie:
“I want to give credit to Jason Gillespie because he has been very positive. He gave a clear message to everyone to maintain a positive mindset, and he keeps things calm, which is really beneficial for the team. As a coach, that’s exactly what you expect—someone who can bring the team together. The way he’s doing that is wonderful, and it’s really helping us as a unit.”
About the Indian Team coming to Pakistan for the Champions Trophy:
“Whoever comes to Pakistan, we will welcome them. This is not our decision; it is the decision of the PCB. However, if they come, we will welcome them.”
Strategy for the upcoming T20 series and challenges:
"Challenges are always part of international cricket, and you have to face them head-on. Right now, we're playing against Australia in Australia, which is never easy because of the tough conditions. As a team, we need to focus on what we can do better and the processes we follow. I've recently been appointed the white-ball captain, but I've been playing with this team for years. However, there are some things you can't adjust in just one series — it takes time. Hopefully, I'll be able to implement the ideas I have in mind."
About Playing 11 and Opening Pair:
"There’s been a lot of talk about the playing XI, but we’ve kept it a secret for now because there are some things I want to keep to myself. Once the decisions are finalized, we’ll share them. As for the opening, we always aim to stick with what’s working best, while also focusing on areas that need improvement. I always try to consult with others and make decisions that are in the best interest of Pakistan, whatever the situation may be."
About Players not in the Current Squad:
"The names you've mentioned—Imad Wasim, Mohammad Amir, Iftikhar Ahmed, and Fakhar Zaman—it's not easy to fill the gap they leave for Pakistan. You can’t replace them overnight; it takes time. All four have contributed a lot to the team, and it's hard to say how long it will take to fully fill their roles in the Pakistan lineup. Hopefully, with time, especially in T20s, we’ll find the right balance. But right now, our focus is on the current series and how we can field the best XI. We’re working on it, and we have something in mind for that."
About Carrying the Players:
“As I’ve said before, it's never about just individual players—it’s about producing talent for Pakistan. Wherever a player can fit in, we’ll make it work. Our priority is always what’s best for Pakistan. We have Zimbabwe, South Africa and Tri-series coming up so we’re hopeful that we will find the best players for Pakistan.”
About Jason Gillespie:
“I want to give credit to Jason Gillespie because he has been very positive. He gave a clear message to everyone to maintain a positive mindset, and he keeps things calm, which is really beneficial for the team. As a coach, that’s exactly what you expect—someone who can bring the team together. The way he’s doing that is wonderful, and it’s really helping us as a unit.”
About the Indian Team coming to Pakistan for the Champions Trophy:
“Whoever comes to Pakistan, we will welcome them. This is not our decision; it is the decision of the PCB. However, if they come, we will welcome them.”