Tag: Mohammad Rizwan

‘Pray for us’ Rizwan asks fans before all-important PSL 7 qualifier

Posted on by A Sports

LAHORE: Multan Sultans’ captain Mohammad Rizwan asked fans to pray for them as they take on Lahore Qalandars in Pakistan Super League (PSL) season 7’s Qualifier today here at Gaddafi Stadium. 

In a video message released on Sultans’ Twitter handle, Rizwan said their team is united and playing like a unit.

“We have played like a unit throughout the tournament. Our target is to win the Qualifier and qualify for the final,” he said.

“I would like to request our fans to remember us in your prayers. Your prayers will make us strong,” he added.

Defending champions Sultans will be playing PSL Qualifiers tonight for the third time in a row. In 2020 and 2021, they contested in PSL Qualifiers.

READ: WATCH: ‘Different style Bowling’ – Rizwan’s fun amuse PSL fans

ICC names Mohammad Rizwan as the Men’s T20I Player of the Year

Posted on by A Sports

DUBAI: Following a stellar year in the shortest format of the game, the International Cricket Council (ICC) has named Pakistan’s in-form wicketkeeper batter – Mohammad Rizwan as the Men’s T20I Player of the Year.

Taking to Twitter, ICC announced Rizwan as the Men’s T20I batter of the year.

“Sheer Consistency, indomitable spirit and some breathtaking knocks. 2021 was memorable for Mohammad Rizwan,” the ICC wrote.

 

Rizwan scored a record-breaking 1326 runs in 29 matches at an astonishing average of 73.66, including one century; 24 dismissals.

On being named as the T20I Player of the Year, Rizwan thanked Almighty Allah and is pleased to highlight the name of Pakistan on the international stage.

“I am so grateful that the ICC named me as the T20I player of the year. I am thankful to Allah (almighty) that the name of Pakistan came on the platform of ICC because of me,” he said.

The chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) – Ramiz Raja also took to Twitter to appreciate Rizwan for being named as the Men’s T20I Player of the Year.

“Many congratulations Rizwan! Well deserved achievement. Your humility, attitude and hard work define you. Wishing you more laurels and success,” he wrote.

It is worth mentioning here that the right-handed opening batter has had a blockbuster year with the bat; setting a world record for scoring most runs in a calendar year in T20Is.

READ: ‘People say Babar and I score less runs in power play’ Mohammad Rizwan

‘Indian cricketers Bhy Apnai Hain’ says Rizwan

Posted on by shoaib.jatt

KARACHI: Wicket-keeper batter Mohammad Rizwan refused to have any off-the-field tensions with Indian players and said they are ‘brothers’.

Speaking in ARY News’ show Bouncer, Rizwan said all cricketers in the world are the same as they come under the banner of the International Cricket Council (ICC).

“On the ground rivalry is something different and it is the beauty of cricket. But, we are all same outside the ground,” the wicket-keeper said.

“Our match against India is always exciting. We are rivals on the ground but they are our brothers outside the ground. I don’t use social media but I have heard about threats to Indian bowler Shami and Virat Kohli’s daughter. Such things shouldn’t be involved in cricket,” he added.

It must be noted here that Shami was threatened in India after they lost their match against Pakistan in T20 World Cup 2021. Moreover, Indian media reported rape threats to Kohli’s six-month-old daughter.

Maiden World Cup victory against India

Rizwan recalled glorious victory against arch-rivals India and credited captain Babar Azam and team for it. “We played like a unit and alhamdulillah succeed. Captain and coaches gave plans to us and we tried to execute them,” he shared.

“Indian players looked like under pressure but our focus was to give them tough time till the last,” he maintained.

The cricketer also reminisced incredible love and support showed to them by Pakistanis after that historic win.

“I can’t explain in words, the love and support we got after winning against India. People were like we have won the World Cup. That feeling was exceptional,” he added.

Quran’s Tilawat behind the stumps

Rizwan disclosed that he recites a couple of Surahs behind the stumps and it is something between him and Allah.

“Not during batting, but yes I recite a couple of Surahs which I remember while keeping,” Rizwan shared. “See, it is something between me and Allah. But, a lot of people ask me what I keep on saying behind the stumps. Also, Nicholas Pooran and a couple of other Multan Sultans’ team members inquired me about this so I shared with them,” he mentioned.

Gift of Quran to Matthew Hayden

Rizwan, for the first time, talked on-air about gifting Quran to Matthew Hayden (Pakistan’s batting consultant for T20 World Cup 2021).

“Being a Muslim, it is our duty to let non-muslims know about Allah and our religion. Hayden was noticing our religious activities. One day he came and sit with us to listen to Friday’s Sermon (Khutbah),

“So, I took a step, and with the help of our media manager, I went to his room to gift him Quran. He was shocked to see that, later on, he took us inside his room and we talked about it,” Rizwan shared.

‘Convo b/w me and Virat was so personal, will not share ever’ Rizwan

Posted on by A Sports

LAHORE: Mohammad Rizwan refused to share the conversation between him and Virat Kohli after Pakistan beat India by 10 wickets in T20 World Cup 2021 fixture last October. 

Speaking to local social media outlet, Rizwan said the conversation between him and Virat was very personal and only players can understand that.

“I didn’t meet Virat before the match. But, after the match, we met and talked which I can’t share. It was very personal and players can only understand it. I even didn’t tell this to my brother,” Rizwan responded.

“Virat is a world-class player and our match against India was tough. We won it but it is always good playing against them,” he added.

It must be noted here that Pakistan beat India for the first time in the World Cup fixture that too by 10 wickets to create history.

READ: ‘Cricket mere liye sab kuch hai’ confident Rizwan on a mission for Pakistan

Rizwan, Shaheen nominated for ICC Men’s Cricketer of the Year

Posted on by A Sports

DUBAI: Pakistan’s prolific run-getter in 2021 and pace ace Shaheen Shah Afridi are alongside England’s captain Joe Root and New Zealand’s skipper Kane Williamson in nominations for International Cricket Council (ICC) Men’s Cricketer of the Year. 

In a tweet on Saturday, ICC nominated the four cricketers who dominated the world of cricket in 2021.

Performance

Mohammad Rizwan: 1915 runs in 44 internationals at an average of 56.32 with 2 centuries. 56 dismissals

Shaheen Afridi:

78 wickets in 36 internationals at an average of 22.20. Best bowling figures of 6/51

Joe Root: 1855 runs in 18 international matches at an average of 58.37 with 6 centuries

Kane Williamson: 693 runs in 16 internationals at an average of 43.31 with one century

READ: Quinton de Kock announces retirement from Test cricket

Rizwan nominated for ICC Men’s T20I player of the year

Posted on by A Sports

DUBAI: Pakistan’s wicket-keeper batter Mohammad Rizwan has been nominated for International Cricket Council (ICC) Men’s T20I player of the year. 

With his eye-catching performance in the shorter format in 2021, Rizwan registered himself as the highest T20I run-scorer in a calendar year. He scored 1326 runs in 29 matches at an average of 73.66 with one century.

Alongside Rizwan, England’s Jos Buttler, Sri Lanka’s Wahindu Hasaranga and Australia’s Mitchell Marsh.

Performance:

Hasaranga: 36 wickets in 20 matches at 11.63; 196 runs with one half-century

Buttler: 589 runs in 14 matches at 65.44 with one century; 13 dismissals

Marsh: 627 runs in 27 matches at 36.88; 8 wickets at 18.37

Earlier, no Pakistani was nominated in ICC Test player of the year.

READ: Root, Ashwin make it to ICC nominations for ‘Test Player of 2021’

Babar Azam reclaims No.1 spot in ICC T20I batting rankings

Posted on by A Sports

DUBAI: The number ODI batter, and Pakistan’s skipper, Babar Azam has also reclaimed the top rank in International Cricket Council (ICC) T20I batting rankings, announced on Wednesday.

Babar, who was in poor form in the recent two series, found his rhythm in the last T20I against West Indies; scoring 79 off 52 balls. This brilliant performance helped Babar reclaiming the top spot in the T20I batting rankings.

Alongside Babar, his opening partner in T20Is, and highest run-getter in a calendar year in T20s, Mohammad Rizwan, also moved up in the ranking chart; claiming the third position.

The Pakistani duo, have had a stellar year as both the Pakistani batters tumbles various records with the bat, this year.

Taking to Twitter, the ICC announced the rankings.

“Babar Azam surges to the top, Mohammad Rizwan into the top three. Significant gains for Pakistan batters in the latest ICC Men’s T20I Player Rankings,” the cricket council wrote.

In the updated rankings announced last week, Babar lost his top-position; having replaced by England’s Dawid Malan. Malan, however, is still the joint top-ranked batter.

READ: Records tumble during Pak-West Indies third T20I

Rizwan joins Sussex County CC for 2022 season

Posted on by A Sports

KARACHI: Pakistan’s wicket-keeper batter Mohammad Rizwan has been signed by Sussex County Cricket Club for 2022 season. 

Taking to twitter, Sussex announced the signing with the leading T20I run scorer in 2021.

“Sussex Cricket is excited to announce the signing of Pakistani wicketkeeper-batter Mohammad Rizwan. Welcome to Sussex, Rizwan,” the county wrote. 

In a statement released by Sussexx, Rizwan said he is delighted to join the county. “Dear Sussex Family, assalamu alaikum. I am absolutely honoured and excited to be a part of the historic Sussex County Cricket Club for the 2022 season. I have always heard great things about the Sussex community and this family club was always close to my heart,

“In my heart, I know our young team has the potential to beat any team. Our strength lies in our hard work, honesty, deep commitment, and self-belief: we can win, we will win, and we will play like champions, no matter what! In shaa Allah, I look forward to a great season,” he was quoted saying.

READ: Warner, Labuschagne’s fifties put Australia in enviable position

Rizwan gets reward for his consistent performance in T20Is

Posted on by A Sports

DUBAI: Pakistan’s wicket-keeper batsman Mohammad Rizwan has been promoted to number four in ICC T20I batting rankings following his consistent performance in the shorter format. 

In latest updates in the rankings, Rizwan has moved from fifth to fourth in rankings whereas Pakistani skipper Babar Azam retained top position on the chart.

England’s Dawid Malan is on second while South Africa’s Aiden Markram is third on the list. India’s former captain Virat Kohli has moved out from the top 10 after scoring no century in any format since the last two years.

Remember, Rizwan surpassed Chris Gayle to score has most T20 runs in a calendar year. He has so far scored 1676 runs in 2021 at an average of 57.79 at a strike rate of 132.59.

READ: Quaid-e-Azam Trophy’s Karachi-leg kicks off tomorrow

Babar, Rizwan are world best but need to improve in powerplay’ ‘Inzamam

Posted on by shoaib.jatt

LAHORE: Pakistan’s former captain Inzamam-ul-Haq believes that Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan need to improve batting in the powerplay. 

Speaking exclusively in ARY News’ show Bouncer, Inzamam said Babar and Rizwan have achieved several records but they could have done more better according to their strength.

“Babar and Rizwan are no doubt, world-class batsmen, currently. They have achieved so much in the recent past together and leading Pakistan’s batting quite well. But, I think they need to improve their batting in the powerplay and later on till 10th over,” he said.

“If you take an example of our semi-final against Australia, the way Warner batted in first 10 overs, it made a major difference. In modern-day cricket, you have to be aggressive in initial overs especially in the T20 format. The first 10 overs are too crucial for any team to change the game,” he explained.

Babar’s inspiration

Inzamam refused that Babar is continuously in contact with him. “I haven’t contacted Babar throughout this T20 World Cup. I don’t know who is saying that Babar is in contact with me or I contact him, but it is untrue,” he said.

Credit to Saqlain

The former Test cricketer gave full credit to Pakistan’s interim coach Saqlain for the team’s performance in the mega event.

“Saqlain has more coaching experience than Matthew Hayden. He has done a great job with the team and all credit goes to him,” he said.

“Saqlain doesn’t like to come in the limelight to take the credit. It is his way of working and he does it so well,” Inzamam praised.

READ: Fakhar, Rizwan lead Pakistan to T20I series win over Bangladesh