Mohammad Rizwan admits “I don’t deserve a place in Pakistan team” amid poor PSL 2026 form

Pakistan wicketkeeper-batter Mohammad Rizwan admitted his struggles in the shortest format during the PSL 2026 season. The Rawalpindi captain said that his current batting form does not justify a place in Pakistan’s T20I side, amid questions over his future with the national cricket team in the shorter format.

Lahore Qalandars defeated Rawalpindi by 32 runs in a PSL match on Saturday, April 18. Rawalpindi remain winless after seven matches in the ongoing tournament. Captain Mohammad Rizwan scored just nine runs off nine balls before getting dismissed during the chase, adding pressure on his side.

I Don’t Deserve a Place in the Pakistan Team - Mohammad Rizwan

Mohammad Rizwan was asked about his recent franchise struggles. The wicketkeeper admitted that his current numbers do not justify immediate selection for Pakistan. Rizwan recalled a discussion with Haris Rauf, where he acknowledged his batting issues and spoke about bouncing back.

“When I was playing in the Big Bash, the team was selected. I went there and said that I don’t deserve a place in the Pakistan team with my current performance,” said Rizwan.

“But I am the same person who was sitting here in front of you, and you told me that I cannot hit a sixer, if you remember. I am being honest. Haris (Rauf) is sitting in the back; he is a witness."

"We talked about this. We were eating there, and I told Haris that I don’t deserve a place in the Pakistan team with this kind of performance. He said something to me that I cannot say in front of you. He knows. He is sitting there,” he added.

This Does Not Mean That I Will Lose Hope - Mohammad Rizwan

Mohammad Rizwan accepted his poor form but made it clear he will not lose hope or walk away from cricket. The Rawalpindi skipper also revealed that he had earlier told Sarfaraz Ahmed to give others a chance when his form dipped.

“But, I tell you that we are human beings. I said in the beginning that I made a mistake. My performance is not good. But this does not mean that I will lose hope and sit. Or I will leave cricket. If I have strength, I will do it,” Rizwan explained.

“If I don’t, I have already told the captains before that my performance is not good. Give someone else a chance when I was not doing well. There are examples. When Saifi bhai was with the team, I have done this. I am not afraid of anyone; if something is wrong, it is wrong,” he added.

I Don’t Know Anything Else in My Life - Mohammad Rizwan

The Rawalpindi captain has scored just 107 runs in seven matches at an average of 15.28, including one duck, with a strike rate of 116.30. Earlier, in the Big Bash League, he managed 187 runs in ten games at an average of 18.70.

Rizwan spoke about his passion for cricket. The opening batter said that he remains committed to improving through hard work and believes he can earn his place back in the national team.

“For me, cricket is a passion. I play T20, Test, and ODI. I love cricket. That is why I play it. I don’t know anything else in my life. I don’t have a business. I don’t play any other sport. I only play cricket."

"Yes, I am losing now. My performance is not good. But by the will of God, my hard work is never less. I have worked hard. By God’s will, I will stand in front of you again, after my hard work,” Rizwan concluded.

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