Watch: Mohammad Rizwan and Iftikhar Ahmed face embarrassment as they fail to handle a local net bowler

Pakistan wicketkeeper-batter Mohammad Rizwan and all-rounder Iftikhar Ahmed are currently going through a tough phase in their careers. Following Pakistan's early exit from the group stage of the recent ICC T20 World Cup 2024, their batters faced significant criticism for underwhelming performances in the tournament.

Adding to their woes, Rizwan and Iftikhar both were seen struggling against a local net bowler, Nouman Khan Khaira, during their recent practice session, for which the Pakistani stars have been facing criticism and trolling on social media.

Fans roast Mohammad Rizwan and Iftikhar Ahmed for struggling against a local bowler

A video circulating online shows that Rizwan and Iftikhar, known for their batting prowess on the global stage, are having a hard time while facing Khaira's impressive deliveries at the net. It was quite visible in the video that Khaira's pace and sharpness troubled both seasoned players.

Khaira managed to edge Rizwan's bat and strike Iftikhar on the glove, showcasing his skill and consistency. Khaira, relatively unknown outside local cricket circles, showed exceptional talent, making the experienced players work hard in the nets.

This incident has sparked a wave of mockery on social media, with fans questioning the form of Rizwan and Iftikhar. Their struggles against a local bowler are a concerning sign for the Pakistan cricket team, as they are eager to bounce back strongly after a disappointing T20 World Cup 2024 campaign.

Watch here how Mohammad Rizwan and Iftikhar Ahmed stunned by a net bowler:

Rizwan & Iftikhar even struggling against the local net bowlers.

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— M (@anngrypakiistan) J<!---->u<!---->l<!---->y<!----> <!---->4<!---->,<!----> <!---->2<!---->0<!---->2<!---->4

Rizwan & Iftikhar even struggling against the local net bowlers.

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— TalkHub (@neemeshp14) J<!---->u<!---->l<!---->y<!----> <!---->5<!---->,<!----> <!---->2<!---->0<!---->2<!---->4

Rizwan and Iftikhar had a tough time facing local practice bowler p<!---->i<!---->c<!---->.<!---->t<!---->w<!---->i<!---->t<!---->t<!---->e<!---->r<!---->.<!---->c<!---->o<!---->m<!---->/<!---->A<!---->H<!---->F<!---->H<!---->m<!---->A<!---->Y<!---->Q<!---->S<!---->s

— S🌠 (@BePakistani92) J<!---->u<!---->l<!---->y<!----> <!---->4<!---->,<!----> <!---->2<!---->0<!---->2<!---->4

Looking ahead, Pakistan is preparing to host Bangladesh for a two-match Test series scheduled between August and September. This series is part of the ongoing 2023–2025 ICC World Test Championship cycle and offers Pakistan a chance to rebound from their recent setbacks.

As the Pakistan team gears up for the upcoming home season, the focus will be on how senior players like the skipper Babar Azam, Rizwan, and Iftikhar bounce back to their form and contribute to the national team’s efforts to regain their standing in international cricket.

PCB to take call on Babar Azam's future as Pakistan captain soon

Meanwhile, uncertainty continues to loom over the future of Pakistan's white-ball captain Babar Azam, and the fate of the selection committee, as head coach Gary Kirsten and selector Wahab Riaz submitted their T20 World Cup 2024 reports to PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi.

Pakistan had a really disappointing T20 World Cup 2024 campaign, as their hopes were dashed after just three games, with defeats to the USA and India ensuring their early exit from the tournament. However, Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Mohsin Naqvi said that they are yet to make a call on Azam’s future as Pakistan captain in white-ball cricket.

Naqvi said that the PCB will announce their final decision after having discussions with the former Pakistan cricketers and head coach Kirsten. Notably, the PCB source revealed that no surgery will happen in Pakistan cricket, saying only cosmetic changes will take place and the same team would likely continue to represent the national team at the highest level.