Influential lobby keen to sideline Mohammad Rizwan

[Muhammad Kaleem]

Some Sports journalists have adopted new tactic, they have started saying that Rizwan is not a natural opener, that he should bat at number 6. This is not only the attempt to push Sharjeel into opening slot but also paving the path for Azam Khan. Rizwan will struggle in middle order in t20s like he does in ODIs, will become unimportant and that way he will be replaced by Azam Khan. People listening to these journalists will repeat what they are saying on social media platforms [herd mentality] and will create pressure on team management.

 

[UzmanBeast]

Rizwan is in another league compared with Sarfaraz.

There's no question, Rizwan has cemented his spot on the team.

If Sarfaraz can perform in the middle order, then it's good for the team but otherwise he's in no position to replace Rizwan.

 

[Saj]

Some Sports journalists have adopted new tactic, they have started saying that Rizwan is not a natural opener, that he should bat at number 6. This is not only the attempt to push Sharjeel into opening slot but also paving the path for Azam Khan. Rizwan will struggle in middle order in t20s like he does in ODIs, will become unimportant and that way he will be replaced by Azam Khan. People listening to these journalists will repeat what they are saying on social media platforms [herd mentality] and will create pressure on team management.

lol

I think there will be different tactics to come.

I don't blame Sarfaraz for this by the way. I guess it's just some showing their 'loyalty' to him and still trying to push his agenda, despite Rizwan being a superior cricketer at the moment in all formats.

 

[daytrader]

Misbah is not the kind that's influenced by such lobbies. Rizwan will continue to bat in the top order for t20s. That's not to say Sarfraz will be completely sidelined, Misbah thinks highly of him as well and will continue to give him games here and there as long as he keeps getting selected

 

[usman2321]

Why is Sarfraz being carried in the team for the last few months?

Trying to find a valid reason for why he is being carried, when Rizwan has been in amazing form,

He has not been consistently used as a middle order batsmen either, even when our middle order has failed miserably.

 

[Shazzam]

Sarfraz is still a experienced captain. With having him in the side it allows Babar to get a safety net against tougher teams. His advise is crucial for Pakistan to win games.

 

[gazza619]

In the Covid era you need a back up keeper in your secure bubble. As such it made sense to carry Sarfaraz whilst someone like Rohail Nazir matures in the domestic circuit.

 

[YousafTheBeast]

In the Covid era you need a back up keeper in your secure bubble. As such it made sense to carry Sarfaraz whilst someone like Rohail Nazir matures in the domestic circuit.

I fail to understand what people see in Rohail Nazir, never understood why he’s always been talked about as Sarfaraz’s replacement. Zeeshan Ashraf should be the 2nd choice WK for Pakistan.

Sarfaraz should only be kept for Tests.

 

[anakwalajinn]

In the Covid era you need a back up keeper in your secure bubble. As such it made sense to carry Sarfaraz whilst someone like Rohail Nazir matures in the domestic circuit.

Besides that I think there is a rule to have a backup wicketkeeper in each squad because of the new rules regarding concussion (substitutes).

 

[Saj]

Sarfraz is still a experienced captain. With having him in the side it allows Babar to get a safety net against tougher teams. His advise is crucial for Pakistan to win games.

I think Babar can survive without Sarfaraz's frantic advice.

You have the likes of Rizwan there who are more than adequate to advise Babar in terms of tactics.

 

[GudduBadmash]

Some Sports journalists have adopted new tactic, they have started saying that Rizwan is not a natural opener, that he should bat at number 6. This is not only the attempt to push Sharjeel into opening slot but also paving the path for Azam Khan. Rizwan will struggle in middle order in t20s like he does in ODIs, will become unimportant and that way he will be replaced by Azam Khan. People listening to these journalists will repeat what they are saying on social media platforms [herd mentality] and will create pressure on team management.

Misbah has literally come out and said he has no plans to demote Rizwan as an opener. He has the full backing of Younis Khan, Misbah Ul Haq and Waqar Younis. The three people in the national team that matter. He doesn't need to worry about the Karachi Lobby.

Azam, Rohail, Sarfaraz and Zeeshan are nothing keepers and batsmen compared to him. His place is secure.

It is sad to see the disgusting bias though, not sure what kind of lives these guys must have to sit here and want someone as genuinely nice as Rizwan to fail. Definitely not the types of people you would want to meet in real life. Toxic

 

[Snowflake]

Tbh, there is no reason for Sarfraz to be in the squad.

Just answer this - If Sarfraz was posting even half as good numbers as Rizwan is currently, would we still have a substitute keeper in the squad breathing down his neck?

 

[iiqbal]

What has sharjeel done to justify him being around the squad, he is a fixer, he is overweight, poor fielder, cant play spin?, only plays swipes , at least fakhar has moved to 3 and still shown he can do a job for the team. So I’m not sure how it would perfect the combo if anything it will ruin the only stability Pakistan has right now.

We don't have player which can score around 20 runs in middle order. Baber or rizwan have to fill this gap.

Ideally if we have good middle order no need of sharjeel. Then rizwan, fakhar can open.

 

[MachoKhan]

Are they doing lobby for sarfaraz or Azam too? Give us hint who those people are.

lol

I think there will be different tactics to come.

I don't blame Sarfaraz for this by the way. I guess it's just some showing their 'loyalty' to him and still trying to push his agenda, despite Rizwan being a superior cricketer at the moment in all formats.

 

[iiqbal]

Yes, all players cannot open but Rizwan has successfully shown that he can do that. Rizwan is probably the greatest T20I opener in Pakistan's T20 history at this point based upon his performances and from as I dont remember a single opener previously winning match after match for his team over the last 3-4 series while grabbing MOM and MOS awards left and right.

If we apply logic of natural openers which some of these "experts" say, than what about Rohit Sharma? Was he a natural opener? Not at all, he was a middle order batsman but he had the game for the slot and he is now one of the greatest wit ball openers world has ever seen.

If someone can do the required job for you in a certain role than it proves he has the technique and temperament for that role.

That being said, considering the struggles of Pak middle order yes Zim series could have been used for experimentation to see if Babar and Rizwan can support the middle order while the opening Messiahs can run havoc at the top. As said before it would have been an effort to fix something that is broke by changing something which isnt broke to see if it works for the team and can eliminate those middle order issues.

However, now there are not much opportunities to try such things so Rizwan will probably be one of the guys opening the innings in the World T20 unless something extreme happens in the remaining 12 T20Is before the World t20.

Rohit make opener as india need opener at that time. We needs not one at least three middle order players.

We don't have player which can score around 20 runs in middle order. Baber or rizwan have to fill this gap.

Ideally if we have good middle order no need of sharjeel. Then rizwan, fakhar can open. After that baber one down, then hafeez, after that is question mark right now.

Playing fakhar and sharjeel any place other than opener is waste of player as well as team combination

 

[daytrader]

Historically openers have been our biggest problem. We haven't had the performances we are seeing now in that slot by Rizwan since Amir Sohail and Saeed Anwar. Now that we have a world class opener, we want to demote him to the middle order. Thank God Misbah is running the show rather than these arm chair experts

 

[Gharib Aadmi]

Sarfraz is still a experienced captain. With having him in the side it allows Babar to get a safety net against tougher teams. His advise is crucial for Pakistan to win games.

Yea right. We have all seen the way he treats his teammates, especially the younger ones. That type of advise will do more harm than good.

 

[silentkiller187]

We don't have player which can score around 20 runs in middle order. Baber or rizwan have to fill this gap.

Ideally if we have good middle order no need of sharjeel. Then rizwan, fakhar can open.

I agree rizwan and fakhar could be a more sensible option with babar dropping down, and better of trying azam khan in the middle order if your going to give sharjeel a go, at least he’s had some experience playing various t20 leagues around the world

 

[BunnyRabbit]

As long as Rizwan is in the form he currently is, he can't really be sidelined and rightly so. Don't think if Misbah and Younis are the kind of people to bow down to lobby politics. Both have backed Rizwan with all their power till now.

Is Shoaib Malik a part of that lobby? His recent venomous tweets definitely were pointed towards Misbah. Apart from Malik and Amir, don't think Imad carries any grudge against him. Hafeez changes sides whichever way it helps him. For Hafeez, it's only about himself.

Is the same lobby making the IT selector making him select a squad without any middle and lower order batters?

From what I know, Babar and Imad are extremely close and Babar at times stays at Imad's place when he's in Islamabad.

Sarfraz is already 34 now, once he turns 35, he will slowly go out of favor for national selection I think although I don't dislike him. Just think he got too lazy about his own batting and fitness once he became the captain.

Rohail should be given the backup keeper role in near future as he is apparently closest to international quality. I don't like how everyone goes gaga every time Azam Khan hits a six in an inning. He has only had 1 notable tournament performance to date and that was LPL which to many didn't offer good quality cricket. Azam hasn't played FC and LA. Rohail atleast has followed the standard pattern to come into contention.

 

[shamaan]

Sarfraz should have some shame and drop himself.

He knows, deep down inside, that he is not fit to carry Rizwan’s jockstrap at the moment.

Why should be drop himself why can't the management drop him?

 

[shamaan]

I fail to understand what people see in Rohail Nazir, never understood why he’s always been talked about as Sarfaraz’s replacement. Zeeshan Ashraf should be the 2nd choice WK for Pakistan.

Sarfaraz should only be kept for Tests.

Why would you pick zeeshan ashraf when he's a top order wicket keeper he's not going to replace anyone purely as a batter and his keeping is average at best.why not pick a batter who can bat in the middle and at the end and keep wicket at a ok level.

 

[UzmanBeast]

Why should be drop himself why can't the management drop him?

Our management can't drop him due to a lack of better options?

I mean, who else is there? Zeeshan Ashraf's domestic stats are quite poor to say the least. Rohail is still too young to pass judgement on, and Azam Khan is just as unfit as they get.

Sarfaraz is the only option we have for a backup keeper.

 

[shamaan]

Our management can't drop him due to a lack of better options?

I mean, who else is there? Zeeshan Ashraf's domestic stats are quite poor to say the least. Rohail is still too young to pass judgement on, and Azam Khan is just as unfit as they get.

Sarfaraz is the only option we have for a backup keeper.

Azam Khan can play as a batter who can keep so I'd go with azam in t20s.rohail In tests in 1 year.as for zeeshan I would not pick him he's nothing special

 

[UzmanBeast]

Azam Khan can play as a batter who can keep so I'd go with azam in t20s.rohail In tests in 1 year.as for zeeshan I would not pick him he's nothing special

Until Azam Khan gets fit, there's no reason to waste our time with him.

Rohail needs to play more full seasons of FC Cricket.

We have no alternative other than Sarfaraz at the moment.

 

[GudduBadmash]

Until Azam Khan gets fit, there's no reason to waste our time with him.

Rohail needs to play more full seasons of FC Cricket.

We have no alternative other than Sarfaraz at the moment.

The same way we did not take a back up wicket keeper to the world cup after they both scored tons leading up to it, there is no need to have Sarfaraz as an alternative either.

 

[UzmanBeast]

The same way we did not take a back up wicket keeper to the world cup after they both scored tons leading up to it, there is no need to have Sarfaraz as an alternative either.

COVID regulations.

If Rizwan is positive, who will you give the gloves to?

 

[Rellu_Katta]

i woule push for Azam Khan for T20 backup keeper with Rohail for longer formats

Sarfraz is a wasted material ... he had the world in his hand with CT17 win but he let it go due to his own laziness and cowardness

I agree that Azam Khan is way way way down in fitness but so is Sharjeel... i think Azam Khan has more hunger to succeed than anyone else i have seen in domestic circuit.

Hated him bcz of the "parchi" but since then he has proved people wrong.

People who question Rohail, we dare ask, have u seen him bat? he is more than decent and needs to get the challenge to prove himself

 

[Rellu_Katta]

Until Azam Khan gets fit, there's no reason to waste our time with him.

Rohail needs to play more full seasons of FC Cricket.

We have no alternative other than Sarfaraz at the moment.

Azam Khan's fitness is a big big issue but there is little difference between him n Sharjeel.

Comparatively , Sharjeel has better fitness but Azam is younger and has the fire in him

would pick Azam over sharjeel for sure....

actually wont mind both playing but our batters mix doesnt sit well with these 2 ... plus 2 like these are def liability

 

[UzmanBeast]

Azam Khan's fitness is a big big issue but there is little difference between him n Sharjeel.

Comparatively , Sharjeel has better fitness but Azam is younger and has the fire in him

would pick Azam over sharjeel for sure....

actually wont mind both playing but our batters mix doesnt sit well with these 2 ... plus 2 like these are def liability

There's no reason for even Sharjeel to be on the team, he's wasting a slot.

 

[shamaan]

Until Azam Khan gets fit, there's no reason to waste our time with him.

Rohail needs to play more full seasons of FC Cricket.

We have no alternative other than Sarfaraz at the moment.

Disagree azam can play as a lower order batter sarfraz can't play as a keeper or a batter in t20s.

 

[ameemlutfi]

It's shocking how this across this sentiment still exists across the board , that rizwan should be moved to 6 because sharjeel and fakhar can provide the explosive start we need . Had rizwan even been average, they would have had their way. He has just been so extraordinary that they just seem silly right now suggesting it . But yea a few failures for rizwan and everyone will be out with their sword . Don't get it at all .

According to some well known Tv pundits, the two fully competent players are Babar and Hasan Ali.

It appears these guys are reading from the same script, both suddenly want Rizwan to be demoted to position number six (where he will get few balls to play and he wont be useful as he is as opener). Several other sports journalists are also saying the same thing, that Rizwan is not a natural opener and that he should be demoted to number six position. Either its herd mentality, or some one has handed over same script to every one.

 

[Saj]

As I said in the opening post, they will not accept Rizwan irrespective of his performances and what he gives to the team.

 

[UzmanBeast]

Disagree azam can play as a lower order batter sarfraz can't play as a keeper or a batter in t20s.

He can't even run between the wickets, that's the problem we face.

Our so-called hitters and finishers completely neglect the importance of rotating strike in the final 5 overs. They'd rather be stranded on the crease for three balls just to hit a four on the fourth ball as opposed to taking necessary singles and improving the total output of runs for each over.

Azam Khan cannot even run, and hitting one or two inconsequential sixes means nothing. The world cup is in India, and on Indian wickets, spin comes into play as we're seeing in the IPL. Against quality spinners, you need to rotate strike, which is something he hasn't convinced me with.

 

[shamaan]

He can't even run between the wickets, that's the problem we face.

Our so-called hitters and finishers completely neglect the importance of rotating strike in the final 5 overs. They'd rather be stranded on the crease for three balls just to hit a four on the fourth ball as opposed to taking necessary singles and improving the total output of runs for each over.

Azam Khan cannot even run, and hitting one or two inconsequential sixes means nothing. The world cup is in India, and on Indian wickets, spin comes into play as we're seeing in the IPL. Against quality spinners, you need to rotate strike, which is something he hasn't convinced me with.

Your only saying he cant run based upon his face of his body.azam will properly come in in the last 6 overs were spinners hardly bowl.he normally fields In the outfield for his psl team.

 

[UzmanBeast]

Your only saying he cant run based upon his face of his body.azam will properly come in in the last 6 overs were spinners hardly bowl.he normally fields In the outfield for his psl team.

I've seen him bat, QG struggle in the death because of strike rotation.

He's not good enough for international cricket yet. He's talented, yes, but not ready yet.

 

[shamaan]

I've seen him bat, QG struggle in the death because of strike rotation.

He's not good enough for international cricket yet. He's talented, yes, but not ready yet.

So you would pick sarfraz to bat in the lower middle order instead of azam

 

[UzmanBeast]

So you would pick sarfraz to bat in the lower middle order instead of azam

On fitness, yes.

Once Azam is fit, there's no question about whether or not he makes the lower middle order, he will.

 

[El Generico]

Misbah has literally come out and said he has no plans to demote Rizwan as an opener. He has the full backing of Younis Khan, Misbah Ul Haq and Waqar Younis. The three people in the national team that matter. He doesn't need to worry about the Karachi Lobby.

Azam, Rohail, Sarfaraz and Zeeshan are nothing keepers and batsmen compared to him. His place is secure.

It is sad to see the disgusting bias though, not sure what kind of lives these guys must have to sit here and want someone as genuinely nice as Rizwan to fail. Definitely not the types of people you would want to meet in real life. Toxic

Dude not everything is Karachi lobby lol. According to another poster here, the two players that want Rizwan demoted are Hassan Ali and Babar Azam. What part of Karachi are they from?

It’s pretty toxic to keep blaming a city for a mythical lobby when there is no evidence that this has anything to do with regions.

Some groups may be backing Sarfaraz due to friendships or politics but the region theory holds no water when apparently the main players backing Sarfaraz aren’t even from Karachi.

 

[MesonK]

Don't expect anything good from Akmal blood. Babar shouldn't be captain in the first place. The guy is highly over-rated, crumble under pressure and has lacked of strong personality.

yeh kuch ziada hogaya bro

Rawilpindi express has crossed all the limits in that department ... In one of his shows he went like "down the order even his 30 to 35 runs will be equal to 60 odd runs on top of the order "

Shoaib Akhtar is clearly working for the same mafia that wants fixer Sharjeel in the team. I am a fan of Mo Amir but I dont think he should have been allowed to play ever again for national side. Same goes for other cons like Sharjeel.

 

[GudduBadmash]

Dude not everything is Karachi lobby lol. According to another poster here, the two players that want Rizwan demoted are Hassan Ali and Babar Azam. What part of Karachi are they from?

It’s pretty toxic to keep blaming a city for a mythical lobby when there is no evidence that this has anything to do with regions.

Some groups may be backing Sarfaraz due to friendships or politics but the region theory holds no water when apparently the main players backing Sarfaraz aren’t even from Karachi.

Why would Hasan Ali want Rizwan demoted. Makes absolutely no sense

It's not mythical at all. I don't even have to look at someone's location when I see an anti Rizwan post but but some coincidence it always ends up being Karachi. The journalists that criticise him are also always from Karachi. If that isn't a lobby then I'm not sure what it should be called.

If he's failing then reasonable to do so but when he is performing it is an agenda.

 

[Rana]

Mark my words

The influential lobby always wins

 

[MesonK]

Mark my words

The influential lobby always wins

They are just looking for an opportunity. If Rizwan gets unlucky in two games consecutively they will be out there for his head.

 

[Rana]

They are just looking for an opportunity. If Rizwan gets unlucky in two games consecutively they will be out there for his head.

Yep. This will happen

 

[SangasCoverDrive]

Some big boys in the Pakistan media are backing Sarfraz so I wont be shocked if he is the one who keeps wickets for Pakistan in T20 WC.

 

[MenInG]

Shoaib Akhtar on PTV aimed a dig at Pakistan's wicket-keeper batsman Mohammad Rizwan stating that he should keep the team ahead of him and be ready to adjust any position that he is asked to bat at. Akhtar said Pakistan is not 'anyone's uncle's team' where a batsman can open across all formats.

“You don’t know what you are supposed to do with Rizwan. Rizwan also has to start thinking. This isn’t anyone’s uncle’s team that you can open in each format of the sport. You have to adjust the role given to you by the team"

As long as Pakistan is winning, it doesn’t matter who it is or where he is coming from, a player should be performing and performing up to my wishes and according to the new brand of cricket’s requirements. It is as simple as that. If you don’t, then there is the exit, you can leave. Don’t misbehave, just don’t select them"

 

[Snowflake]

Shoaib Akhtar on PTV aimed a dig at Pakistan's wicket-keeper batsman Mohammad Rizwan stating that he should keep the team ahead of him and be ready to adjust any position that he is asked to bat at. Akhtar said Pakistan is not 'anyone's uncle's team' where a batsman can open across all formats.

“You don’t know what you are supposed to do with Rizwan. Rizwan also has to start thinking. This isn’t anyone’s uncle’s team that you can open in each format of the sport. You have to adjust the role given to you by the team"

As long as Pakistan is winning, it doesn’t matter who it is or where he is coming from, a player should be performing and performing up to my wishes and according to the new brand of cricket’s requirements. It is as simple as that. If you don’t, then there is the exit, you can leave. Don’t misbehave, just don’t select them"

Cannot make heads or tails of what he's trying to say. The team asked Rizwan to open and by doing so, he did put the team's needs ahead of his own. So...??

 

[SangasCoverDrive]

Cannot make heads or tails of what he's trying to say. The team asked Rizwan to open and by doing so, he did put the team's needs ahead of his own. So...??

He is trying to say that kick out Rizwan from the team and bring in Sarfraz.

 

[Farabi]

Exactly, this is the thing that this “Karachi lobby” crowd doesn’t understand. If a Karachi lobby existed, would Fawad Alam, Asim Kamal and Tabish have rotted way in domestic cricket? Would Saad Ali be ignored if this lobby was a thing?

If a lobby is backing Sarfaraz it’s probably because of media support or connections and nothing to do with the region. The media that backs Sarfaraz also back Amir, this has nothing to do with regions.

Yup! That's what I wonder.
People over here blame "Karachi Lobby" but bahot hi thaki wi lobby hai. Karachi-based Players like Fawad Alam, Asim Kamal, Tanvir Ahmed, Tabish Khan Khurram Manzoor, Saud Shakeel, Saad Ali all rotting/rotted away away. If it was so effective, these players would have at least played 30 games

 

[cricketAXEpert]

I have it on very good authority from several sources that there is an influential lobby within and close to Pakistan cricket who are very keen to sideline Mohammad Rizwan and get Sarfraz Ahmed back as the first choice pick as wicket-keeper/batsman.

Mohammad Rizwan has done a bit too well since his introduction to international cricket, particularly of late for some and has taken his chance too well for them.

In Pakistan cricket you have to remember that senior players have their own lobby that back them and that's why it's very difficult to get rid of them even towards the end of their careers.

This will be interesting to see how this goes in the coming weeks and months.

The only way in for Sarfaraz is to turn Rizwan into a Specialist Batsman. Rizwan is fast becoming Pakistan #2 best batsman after Babar. Even Sarfaraz has dropped hints about it, like they both can play together. Pakistan's batting continues to have holes in it, so it is not far fetched to think that Rizwan would soon get a call to concentrate on his Batting.
On a side note I remember Rizwan was being considered even before Sarfaraz made his big splash and became Pakistan's Skipper. Him being a Skipper kept Rizwan on the sidelines for years.

 

[SangasCoverDrive]

Yup! That's what I wonder.
People over here blame "Karachi Lobby" but bahot hi thaki wi lobby hai. Karachi-based Players like Fawad Alam, Asim Kamal, Tanvir Ahmed, Tabish Khan Khurram Manzoor, Saud Shakeel, Saad Ali all rotting/rotted away away. If it was so effective, these players would have at least played 30 games

The social media was not that strong during Asim Kamal, Tanvir Ahmed time. Even still Tanvir Ahmed and Tabish Khan were able to play for Pakistan at the retirement age. The case with Saud and Saad is a double-edged sword because they know that Saud Shakeel, Saad Ali are competing with Fawad and before that it used to be Shafiq and they don't want to compromise on their yaari with them that's why they don't raise their voice for them.

 

[SangasCoverDrive]

The only way in for Sarfaraz is to turn Rizwan into a Specialist Batsman. Rizwan is fast becoming Pakistan #2 best batsman after Babar. Even Sarfaraz has dropped hints about it, like they both can play together. Pakistan's batting continues to have holes in it, so it is not far fetched to think that Rizwan would soon get a call to concentrate on his Batting.
On a side note I remember Rizwan was being considered even before Sarfaraz made his big splash and became Pakistan's Skipper. Him being a Skipper kept Rizwan on the sidelines for years.

Why should Rizwan turn into a specialist batsman to accommodate Sarfraz in the team? It's like saying India should have turned Dhoni into a specialist batsman to accommodate Dinesh Karthik in the team.

 

[MenInG]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-partner="tweetdeck"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Brilliant with the bat<br>Superb with the gloves<br>Fantastic support to the skipper<br>A team man<br>An excellent role-model<br><br>Not quite sure what else Mohammad Rizwan can do, yet some still continue to criticise him<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Cricket?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Cricket</a></p>— Saj Sadiq (@Saj_PakPassion) <a href="https://twitter.com/Saj_PakPassion/status/1394692935384436736?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 18, 2021</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

 

[SangasCoverDrive]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-partner="tweetdeck"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Brilliant with the bat<br>Superb with the gloves<br>Fantastic support to the skipper<br>A team man<br>An excellent role-model<br><br>Not quite sure what else Mohammad Rizwan can do, yet some still continue to criticise him<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Cricket?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Cricket</a></p>— Saj Sadiq (@Saj_PakPassion) <a href="https://twitter.com/Saj_PakPassion/status/1394692935384436736?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 18, 2021</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

He needs to do gaali galoch with his players. Only then he can become a fan favorite.

 

[MRSN]

Shoaib Akhtar on PTV aimed a dig at Pakistan's wicket-keeper batsman Mohammad Rizwan stating that he should keep the team ahead of him and be ready to adjust any position that he is asked to bat at. Akhtar said Pakistan is not 'anyone's uncle's team' where a batsman can open across all formats.

“You don’t know what you are supposed to do with Rizwan. Rizwan also has to start thinking. This isn’t anyone’s uncle’s team that you can open in each format of the sport. You have to adjust the role given to you by the team"

As long as Pakistan is winning, it doesn’t matter who it is or where he is coming from, a player should be performing and performing up to my wishes and according to the new brand of cricket’s requirements. It is as simple as that. If you don’t, then there is the exit, you can leave. Don’t misbehave, just don’t select them"

Saw that live and that was very derogatory comment when he said there is an exit. For God's sake he is one of the most performing players. This is why these expert have ruined Pakistan cricket. They have zero cricketing IQ and they are made god on tv where they talk nonsense.

Shoib should publicly apologise for these pathetic remarks. I am really stunned there is no response by Rizwan yet. If was Rizwan I would have definitely taken on this clown.

 

[MRSN]

It's amazing how Shoib gets away with such a rude comment for a national player. Criticism is one thing but below the belt comment like these are incredibly pathetic.

 

[BunnyRabbit]

Shoaib Akhtar on PTV aimed a dig at Pakistan's wicket-keeper batsman Mohammad Rizwan stating that he should keep the team ahead of him and be ready to adjust any position that he is asked to bat at. Akhtar said Pakistan is not 'anyone's uncle's team' where a batsman can open across all formats.

“You don’t know what you are supposed to do with Rizwan. Rizwan also has to start thinking. This isn’t anyone’s uncle’s team that you can open in each format of the sport. You have to adjust the role given to you by the team"

As long as Pakistan is winning, it doesn’t matter who it is or where he is coming from, a player should be performing and performing up to my wishes and according to the new brand of cricket’s requirements. It is as simple as that. If you don’t, then there is the exit, you can leave. Don’t misbehave, just don’t select them"

Couldn't have been more ironic with Shoaib of all people telling a hardworking, fit and performing cricketer with great work ethic about improving his work ethic.

Rizwan has done everything being asked of him extremely well and should continue to do it.
Shoaib has a sick mentality and has nothing else to do these days to keep himself busy I guess.

Plus the lobbies in Pakistan must consist of some of the laziest couch potatoes with nothing productive to do that they unanimously think of something totally "out of the box" and try to get it done.

 

[Saj]

The problem is Rizwan doesn't leak information to the media. If he did that, he would be loved by the lobby.

 

[El Generico]

The social media was not that strong during Asim Kamal, Tanvir Ahmed time. Even still Tanvir Ahmed and Tabish Khan were able to play for Pakistan at the retirement age. The case with Saud and Saad is a double-edged sword because they know that Saud Shakeel, Saad Ali are competing with Fawad and before that it used to be Shafiq and they don't want to compromise on their yaari with them that's why they don't raise their voice for them.

What about Manzoor? He averages nearly 60 in List a cricket. How come the might Karachi lobby couldn’t get him selected in the ODI team.

Also is there one Karachi guy per team rule is that what the lobby didn’t want Fawad in the team when Shafiq was around?

 

[El Generico]

The problem is Rizwan doesn't leak information to the media. If he did that, he would be loved by the lobby.

From this post it’s clear the lobby is a media group rather than a regional or a city base lobby. Why are people so hell bent on blaming the entire city of Karachi lol?

Even guys like Malik are heavily backed by media. It’s not a region thing .

 

[RedwoodOriginal]

It has become painfully obvious that people with an agenda are out to get Rizwan.

Thing is, they can continue along their merry and it won't make an iota of difference because Rizwan is a world-class cricketer who is here to stay. He is not mentally weak like most Pakistani cricketers to actually be affected by all this stuff and he actually has character which means he won't be stooping down to their level either. Throwing stones in the mud is a futile activity and Rizwan probably knows that.

 

[Farabi]

What about Manzoor? He averages nearly 60 in List a cricket. How come the might Karachi lobby couldn’t get him selected in the ODI team.

Also is there one Karachi guy per team rule is that what the lobby didn’t want Fawad in the team when Shafiq was around?

haha exactly
The comment came from Shoaib Akhtar and people are blaming Karachi Lobby for it. Karachi Lobby is the new Boogyman
Wah ji

 

[mazkhan]

I've got a feeling the pressure is mounting and rizwan will eventually get booted .

Too much pressure from karachi and karachi controlled media of pakistan .

I don't think sarfraz is gonna be the long term solution because he is getting old, I believe it's Moin khan who is probably using his connections to get his son azam khan into national setup and the big obstacle is rizwan that needs to be removed but is difficult since the guy is In form and playing good cricket.

Every player has purple patches , their peak performance seasons in a career , dips in forms , a stinker of a tour somewhere , recoveries etc .

But once rizwan has a dip somewhere or a tour where he has below performance knives will be out pressure will mount and the chief selector will be forced to cave in

 

[El Generico]

I've got a feeling the pressure is mounting and rizwan will eventually get booted .

Too much pressure from karachi and karachi controlled media of pakistan .

I don't think sarfraz is gonna be the long term solution because he is getting old, I believe it's Moin khan who is probably using his connections to get his son azam khan into national setup and the big obstacle is rizwan that needs to be removed but is difficult since the guy is In form and playing good cricket.

Every player has purple patches , their peak performance seasons in a career , dips in forms , a stinker of a tour somewhere , recoveries etc .
n

Yes and the pressure seem to be led by the famous Karachi express Shoaib Akhtar.

 

[MenInG]

Think there is some confusion on this Karachi issue. This is not based upon what language one speaks but is purely a "humara banda" as in person from our area type thing.

 

[Saj]

From this post it’s clear the lobby is a media group rather than a regional or a city base lobby. Why are people so hell bent on blaming the entire city of Karachi lol?

Even guys like Malik are heavily backed by media. It’s not a region thing .

It's not necessarily about just one city. There is more to it.

It's about players who are competition to the players that some like and are close to.

 

[Farabi]

It's not necessarily about just one city. There is more to it.

It's about players who are competition to the players that some like and are close to.

Shoaib's comments are being unnecessarily politicized. Anyone whose watched 'Game on Hai' show enough knows not to take anything Shoaib says seriously. He literally contradicts himself twice in one sentence. Shoaib has also made various videos praising Rizwan.

 

[BunnyRabbit]

Seems like the lobby is very baychain to get Rizwan kicked out.
Rizwan just needs to sort out his batting in ODIs and needs to keep evolving and keep adding shots. If Fakhar can survive 2 years being out of form, surely Rizwan can do the same too.
Misbah and Younis have kept a lot of faith in Rizwan since 2019.
Just hope Wasim doesn't powerpoint rizwan out of the team.

 

[Jazx]

That's strange that there is still a lobby like that when rizwan is the second best batsman in the lineup after babar.

 

[Rana]

That's strange that there is still a lobby like that when rizwan is the second best batsman in the lineup after babar.

Anyone but you Rizwan, anyone but you...

 

[silentkiller187]

That's strange that there is still a lobby like that when rizwan is the second best batsman in the lineup after babar.

Based on recent form hes playing better than Babar, yet deluded fans still call him out. Theres a reason why our fans are the laughing stock.

 

[Saj]

Shoaib's comments are being unnecessarily politicized. Anyone whose watched 'Game on Hai' show enough knows not to take anything Shoaib says seriously. He literally contradicts himself twice in one sentence. Shoaib has also made various videos praising Rizwan.

But contradicting oneself shouldn't be an excuse for comments that are unwarranted and not backed up by facts.

 

[Farabi]

Yes and the pressure seem to be led by the famous Karachi express Shoaib Akhtar.

Shaoib Akhar is from Gulshan, karachi didnt you know? lol
Shaoib has been the most vocal critic of Sarfaraz calling him fat, brainless. Few years ago, Shaoib also criticized Sarfaraz that "Pakistan team is not North Nazimbad team."

 

[Farabi]

But contradicting oneself shouldn't be an excuse for comments that are unwarranted and not backed up by facts.

Agreed! and folks should share stats and data to show that Rizwan is a competent opener (which he is). For example, Rizwan is not a slow player during PP; he has a SR of 130+ during PP, 130+ during Middle Overs, and 200+ during death.
I think its lazy to fan fan conspiracies like Shoaib is "lobbing" for Sarfaraz, or there is a karachi lobby behind these statements, which just isn't true. Shaoib, Salman Butt, Wasim Akram, Yousuf, and Inzi, none of whom belong to karachi - rate Sharjeel pretty highly and have mentioned that they would like to see Sharjeel open. Sharjeel is a fun player to watch when on song and he has many fans. Folks calling for Sharjeel to open has nothing to do with lobbying.

 

[Muhammad Kaleem]

Its the Karachi Kings lobby that has become active against Muhammad Rizwan. Shaibi is connected with it through Rashid Latif and Wasim Akram. It did not look good on them that the player they sidelined and ditched, was picked as captain by Multan Sultans and is performing so well in t20s.

Ever since the selection of Sharjeel Khan for South Africa tour, Shoaib Akhtar and company (Dr Nauman Niaz and Rashid Latif) have become irritated by the fact that Muhammad Rizwan has consolidated his position in t20s as opener and their favorite Sharjeel Khan was largely ignored by the team management. Before that they were not that rude about Muhammad Rizwan because Sharjeel was not in the picture and they were hoping that once Sharjeel returns, Muhammad Rizwan will get automatically demoted to lower middle order. But Muhammad Rizwan performance as opener is top notch and Shoaib Akhtar and co are getting frustrated that Rizwan is performing so well. Even before the tour to SA and Zimbabwe, Akhtar and co used to criticize Muhammad Rizwan's performance as opener (pointing out low strike rate in the first six overs) and insisted that Sharjeel is the ultimate solution.

I recall that in game on hai show during t20s against Zimbabwe, Shoiab Akhtar blurted out same rudeness against Muhammad Rizwan that he should adjust down the order otherwise doors of exit are open for him, and that "kisi kay baap ki team nahi hay". The host kinda looked surprised (as Rizwan had given match winning performance in that match) and shared the opinions of people that Rizwan wont be so useful in lower middle order as he needs some time to adjust and he will get few balls to do power hitting. Shaibi then said :" then he should rotate strike".

Besides Rashid Latif, I think Shaibi is also getting influenced by Wasim Akram who is dismissive of Muhammad Rizwan (as evident by some of his statements). Imo Wasim Akram was the one, not Imad Wasim, who sidelined Rizwan in Karachi Kings. Wasim Akram would also want Sharjeel's inclusion in the national team on regular basis as it will look good on his KK franchise. Rashid Latif is also supporter of Karachi Kings. This is the lobby that wants to sideline Muhammad Rizwan.

 

[Farabi]

Its the Karachi Kings lobby that has become active against Muhammad Rizwan. Shaibi is connected with it through Rashid Latif and Wasim Akram. It did not look good on them that the player they sidelined and ditched, was picked as captain by Multan Sultans and is performing so well in t20s.

Ever since the selection of Sharjeel Khan for South Africa tour, Shoaib Akhtar and company (Dr Nauman Niaz and Rashid Latif) have become irritated by the fact that Muhammad Rizwan has consolidated his position in t20s as opener and their favorite Sharjeel Khan was largely ignored by the team management. Before that they were not that rude about Muhammad Rizwan because Sharjeel was not in the picture and they were hoping that once Sharjeel returns, Muhammad Rizwan will get automatically demoted to lower middle order. But Muhammad Rizwan performance as opener is top notch and Shoaib Akhtar and co are getting frustrated that Rizwan is performing so well. Even before the tour to SA and Zimbabwe, Akhtar and co used to criticize Muhammad Rizwan's performance as opener (pointing out low strike rate in the first six overs) and insisted that Sharjeel is the ultimate solution.

I recall that in game on hai show during t20s against Zimbabwe, Shoiab Akhtar blurted out same rudeness against Muhammad Rizwan that he should adjust down the order otherwise doors of exit are open for him, and that "kisi kay baap ki team nahi hay". The host kinda looked surprised (as Rizwan had given match winning performance in that match) and shared the opinions of people that Rizwan wont be so useful in lower middle order as he needs some time to adjust and he will get few balls to do power hitting. Shaibi then said :" then he should rotate strike".

Besides Rashid Latif, I think Shaibi is also getting influenced by Wasim Akram who is dismissive of Muhammad Rizwan (as evident by some of his statements). Imo Wasim Akram was the one, not Imad Wasim, who sidelined Rizwan in Karachi Kings. Wasim Akram would also want Sharjeel's inclusion in the national team on regular basis as it will look good on his KK franchise. Rashid Latif is also supporter of Karachi Kings. This is the lobby that wants to sideline Muhammad Rizwan.

This is an interesting conspiracy theory. tell us more.
If Shoaib Akhter is anti Rizwan because he is part of the "Karachi Kings lobby", then why did Shoaib Akhtar make videos on his YouTube channel praising Rizwan. Here are two videos Shoaib praising Rizwan:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mXgblsyK788

https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=shoaib+akhtar+rizwan

Did Karachi Kings payment not get through by then?

 

[Farabi]

This is an interesting conspiracy theory. tell us more.
If Shoaib Akhter is anti Rizwan because he is part of the "Karachi Kings lobby", then why did Shoaib Akhtar make videos on his YouTube channel praising Rizwan. Here are two videos Shoaib praising Rizwan:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mXgblsyK788

https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=shoaib+akhtar+rizwan

Did Karachi Kings payment not get through by then?

"Hats off to you, apna Rizwan. Well done meri jan. Aap bahot hi acha kheltay ho. You are a superb player, you are marvelous and at the same time, your intent towards pakistan is just amazing, and God give you everything that you need in this life. Aur app jis tarhan Pakistan kai liyeah khel rahay ho, khidmat ker rahay ho, its fabulous to see that someone is playing for pakistan with this good intent. you have proven that you are an asset for pakistan. Rizwan, keep on going!"
Shoaib Akhter speaking about Rizwan on his youtube channel on Apr 25, 2021
Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mXgblsyK788

Perhaps, Karachi Kings Lobby didn't make the payment to Shoaib by then...

 

[MesonK]

Two Karachi origin journalists
Two Karachi origin former players (both failures in their careers)
One Islamabad origin host
One Pindi origin former player

Thats the Anti rizwan lobby I can trace on media. These shameless lobbyists openly call for failed Sarfaraz to be included in team now that they can not be negative against worlds best Rizwan openly. These are also tryin their best to get confirmed con Sharjeel fixed at top in national side.

No one cared when Karachi's Sohail Khans career was being destroyed ... tells you how shameless these people are.

 

[UzmanBeast]

This is an interesting conspiracy theory. tell us more.
If Shoaib Akhter is anti Rizwan because he is part of the "Karachi Kings lobby", then why did Shoaib Akhtar make videos on his YouTube channel praising Rizwan. Here are two videos Shoaib praising Rizwan:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mXgblsyK788

https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=shoaib+akhtar+rizwan

Did Karachi Kings payment not get through by then?

If you watch the Game On Hai show, you'll see that he consistently degrades the performances of Rizwan.

Shoaib is part of the anti-Rizwan lobby, and it's quite clear that he possesses no cricketing knowledge to differentiate between a fat unfit leg-side hack and a quality keeper batsman.

 

[bala977]

Some big boys in the Pakistan media are backing Sarfraz so I wont be shocked if he is the one who keeps wickets for Pakistan in T20 WC.

This doesn’t make sense. Rizz appears to be a competent keeper and one of the best bats. Why would he be under pressure?

 

[El Generico]

This doesn’t make sense. Rizz appears to be a competent keeper and one of the best bats. Why would he be under pressure?

It doesn’t make sense because it’s not true . Some random analyst in a TV show criticized Rizwan and now some thing a mafia is out to get him lol. Nothing is going to happen. Rizwan is in no danger of losing his spot unless he gets injured.

People like Akhtar say random things, he was even having a go at Babar. Does that mean Babar is also going to be dropped?