Mohammad Rizwan openly challenges PCB chief Mohsin Naqvi on Fakhar Zaman

Pakistan's new white-ball captain Mohammad Rizwan has finally opened up on dropping Fakhar Zaman for the team's white-ball tour of Australia. Pakistan will tour Australia for three ODIs and three T20Is in November.

While Pakistan has selected a full-strength team comprising the likes of Babar Azam, Shaheen Afridi, and Naseem Shah, the biggest surprise was the absence of Fakhar Zaman from the squad.

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Mohsin Naqvi reasoned Zaman's snub as fitness issues and his controversial comments in support of the former captain Babar Azam. However, he has received support from Pakistan's white-ball skipper Mohammad Rizwan.

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Mohammad Rizwan breaks silence on Fakhar Zaman's snub

While speaking to the reporters ahead of Pakistan's tour to Australia, Mohammad Rizwan was asked about the PCB's decision to drop Fakhar Zaman. Rizwan hailed Zaman's ability to impact a game through his batting skills but claimed that some of the decisions are not in his hands.

“There’s no question about Fakhar’s impact, he is an influential player who can change the game singlehandedly on any conditions. While some decisions are beyond my control, we have discussed his potential return and hope the matter will soon be resolved,” Rizwan said.

Fakhar Zaman is a key player for Pakistan in white-ball cricket. He is an opener in ODIs and bats in the middle order in T20I cricket. The 34-year-old is known for his ability to score runs quickly at the top and can be destructive against both the fast bowlers and the spinners.

Fakhar Zaman's international numbers

The left-handed batter has played 82 ODIs for Pakistan and scored 3492 runs at an average of 46.56 and a strike rate of 93.44. He has also played 92 T20Is so far in which he has scored 1848 runs at an average of 22.81 and a strike rate of 132.94.

Fakhar Zaman played a vital role in Pakistan's Champions Trophy win in 2017. With the next year's Champions Trophy just around the corner, his experience could prove to be useful for Pakistan. Without him, they will feel the need for an experienced batter at the top.

Mohammad Rizwan on playing without Gary Kirsten

Mohammad Rizwan also stated that the players will be looking to play as a team and not for individual records. He insists on giving the full support to the next head coach of the team after Gary Kirsten announced his retirement recently.

“When you’re playing for country then you’re beyond individuals. Our focus is always on playing for Pakistan, not on individual positions. Whoever is chosen as head coach, we will work together to achieve our goals,” Rizwan added.

Gary Kirsten resigned from his role as Pakistan's white-ball head coach just a week before the team's first ODI against Australia. It is believed that Kirsten was unhappy with the way PCB was working as the board had removed the coach and captain from the selection panel.