Mohammad Rizwan blames journalists for Mohsin Naqvi’s punishment on Babar Azam & Co.

Mohammad Rizwan hit the headlines with his bold yet funny remarks on Pakistan’s T20 World Cup 2026 campaign and the controversial move of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB). Mohammad Rizwan’s comments during a training session in Karachi went viral on social media.

Recently, the PCB chairman, Mohsin Naqvi, has reportedly taken a harsh step after Pakistan’s disappointing campaign in the T20 World Cup 2026, where they crashed out in the Super 8 round. As a result, Pakistan players were imposed with heavy fines as the board tried to show a tough stance.

Mohammad Rizwan points finger at Pakistani media over players’ fines

While interacting with reporters in a light mood, Rizwan surprisingly blamed the media for the fines. The former Pakistan captain playfully suggested that journalists should also face penalties just like players whenever the team struggles.

SHORTS

View More

Your daily dose of cricket!

Loading...

Read Also: India vs New Zealand pitch details leaked; Sanju Samson to fail in T20 World Cup final?

As reported by 24NewsHD TV, Mohammad Rizwan said with a smile, "The players have been fined, but journalists should be fined too. You people, should also pay the penalty—your situation is no different.”

Rizwan also highlighted how strongly media coverage can influence the image of players in public. He mentioned that opinions about players like Shaheen Shah Afridi and Salman Ali Agha often depend on the tone of reports and discussions happening around them.

Mohammad Rizwan explains media influence and Pakistan’s T20 World Cup 2026 exit

At the same time, Rizwan acknowledged that many journalists also stand by the team during difficult moments and defend the players when criticism becomes too harsh.

The wicketkeeper-batter added, “The world will see players the way you portray them. At the same time, there is no doubt that you people also defend the team a lot.”

Read Also: Mohammad Amir confirms spot-fixing in PSL involving Babar Azam, but....

The Pakistan star also admitted that the team’s World Cup campaign did not meet expectations. However, he pointed out that Pakistan was eliminated because of the net run rate, saying even the strongest teams can face shocking results on any given day, and that uncertainty is part of the game.

Rizwan further added, “Pakistan didn't do bad in the World Cup. What matters is winning. We won the last match vs Sri Lanka; that's what matters the most. We just got eliminated due to run rate, not because of losing outright.”

Pakistan was eliminated on a run-rate basis rather than by losing a match, wicketkeeper-batter Muhammad Rizwan shared remarks with journalists during a practice session in Karachi.#TOKSports #Rizwan #Karachi #pakistansquad pic.twitter.com/VSispTQU7r

— TOK Sports (@TOKSports021) March 6, 2026

Muhammad Rizwan on PCB fining players on poor WC performance.

"The fine is due to you guys (journalists). Pakistan didn't do bad in the World Cup. What matters is win. We won the last match vs Sri Lanka, that's what matters the most. We just got eliminated due to run rate". pic.twitter.com/zGhXS6aoP9

— Salman. (@TsMeSalman) March 6, 2026

Mohammad Rizwan pulls out of National T20 Cup 2026

Meanwhile, the upcoming National T20 Cup 2026 is set to begin in Peshawar from March 7 to March 18, but just before the start, the Peshawar region has suffered a major setback: Mohammad Rizwan pulled out of the competition.

With Rizwan stepping away, the team named experienced all-rounder Iftikhar Ahmed as the new captain for the tournament. Peshawar has also added all-rounder Mohammad Nawaz to the side to strengthen the squad further.

On the other hand, Lahore Whites have made powerful additions to their lineup. Pakistan stars Babar Azam and Naseem Shah have now joined the team. Lahore Whites will be led by Aamir Jamal, while players like Ahmed Daniyal and Mohammad Salman will also be seen in action.