'Captain' Mohammad Rizwan confirms groupism in Pakistan team, but there's a twist

The star wicketkeeper-batsman Mohammad Rizwan opened up about the groupism within the Pakistan National Cricket Team after being appointed as the new white-ball skipper of the side.

Groupism means the tendency of individuals to prioritize the interests, needs, and viewpoints of a specific group over those of others and Mohammad Rizwan said that he is part of a group. However, Rizwan added that he is part of the large group of the Pakistan National Cricket Team.

I am deeply honoured to be appointed as Pakistan’s white-ball captain - Mohammad Rizwan

On Sunday, October 27, Mohammad Rizwan was announced as the new white-ball skipper of the Pakistan team. In an official statement released by the Pakistan Cricket Board, the 32-year-old said that he is honored to get the responsibility to lead the team. He stated:

“I am deeply honoured to be appointed as Pakistan’s white-ball captain. Representing Pakistan on the global stage is the greatest privilege and to now be entrusted with leading such a talented and exciting group of players is a tremendous honour. Joining the ranks of some of Pakistan’s legendary limited-overs captains truly is the icing on the cake."

Rizwan promised to give his 'absolute best' as the Pakistan captain and expressed his excitement about working closely with his teammates as well as the selection committee. He elaborated:

“I am committed to giving my absolute best in this role and look forward to working closely with the selectors, coaches and my immensely talented teammates. Together, we aim to meet and exceed the expectations of our fans and supporters.

“Pakistan cricket holds immense potential across all formats and I am confident that, with the support of God Almighty, we will build on our recent success against England to achieve even greater heights in what promises to be a challenging and busy season of white-ball cricket.”

I am part of a group, it’s the Pakistan team’s group—our whole group - Mohammad Rizwan

Meanwhile, during the interaction with the reporters at the press conference, Rizwan addressed the claims of the groupism within the Pakistan setup.

Rizwan stated that he is part of only one group, which is the group of players of the Pakistan National Cricket Team, where all fifteen players of the squad are captains in their own way.

"Look, as far as these rumours are concerned, they may have been heard from somewhere, but if I am part of a group, it’s the Pakistan team’s group—our whole group. Now that I am captain, for me, the most important thing is that all fifteen players of Pakistan are captains in their own way.

"My role as captain is to carry out tasks, attend presentations, and handle conferences. I’m doing these things, and, Inshallah, all of our Pakistan team members are also captains in their own right because, as you can see, everyone is leading in one way or another," said Rizwan.

Mohammad Rizwan's first assignment will be the ODIs against Australia

Mohammad Rizwan will begin his tenure as captain in the ODI series against Australia down under. The matches between Pakistan and Australia will be played on November 4, 8 and 10.

After that, the two teams will lock horns in the three-match T20I series on November 14, 16 and 18. Next, Mohammad Rizwan will be leading Pakistan in the three-match ODI series against the Chevrons in Zimbabwe on November 24, 26, and 28, before being rested for the subsequent T20I series.