Form dip no concern as Rizwan vows to win back Pakistan spot
Mohammad Rizwan wants to return to Pakistan's T20I side and has promised to fight hard to win his spot back.
A candid Mohammad Rizwan has vowed to continue to work hard and try and regain his place in Pakistan's line-up in all three international formats.
While Rizwan continues to be a mainstay at Test and ODI level, the 33-year-old hasn't featured for his country in the shortest format since the end of 2024 and was a notable absentee from Pakistan's squad at this year's ICC Men's T20 World Cup when the Asian side failed to reach the knockout stages.
Mohammad Rizwan aims for the spider cam | PAK v CAN | T20WC 2024
Rizwan has since failed to reach any great heights during the ongoing Pakistan Super League, with the right-hander having been dismissed for less than 20 in his last five innings and scored just 107 runs from seven knocks in his role as captain of RawalPindiz at the tournament.
But an honest Rizwan has addressed his recent dip in form and suggested he will continue to work hard and fight to regain his place in Pakistan's line-up at T20I level.
“Players are human beings and go through difficult phases in their careers, and it is no different for me. But I still love playing cricket in all formats, and I have no intentions of giving up because of criticism directed at me,” he said.
“I believe a player should only think about retirement when he himself knows that he has lost the ability to compete with others and has lost interest in cricket. I can still compete with others."
Rizwan dazzles in record run chase with highest ODI score | POTM Highlights | CWC23
A knock for the ages from Mohammad Rizwan as the Pakistan veteran scored his highest ODI score to help his side to a memorable win at the ICC Men's Cricket World Cup 2023
Rizwan was recently named in Pakistan's squad for next month's two-match Test series against Bangladesh as part of the ongoing ICC World Test Championship where the side currently sits in fifth place on the standings.
Pakistan also have three Tests scheduled in England across August and September that Rizwan will be eyeing off, while the veteran will also be hoping to take part in next year's ICC Men's Cricket World Cup in South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia.
“For me, cricket is a passion," Rizwan continued.
"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.”