Tag: Mohammad Rizwan

Pakistan skipper Mohammad Rizwan said on Tuesday the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 would be a “historic occasion” for the country, a day before the hosts kick the tournament off against New Zealand.

The Champions Trophy 2025 is the first major cricket event hosted by Pakistan in nearly three decades and is regarded as second only to the World Cup in the one-day game.

“A global event has come to Pakistan after 29 years so I think the whole nation should enjoy this historic occasion,” Rizwan told a news conference on the eve of the tournament, which runs until March 9.

Pakistan had been due to host the tournament in 2008 but was thrown into cricketing isolation by a security crisis as violence spilled over from the long-running war in neighbouring Afghanistan.

However, major teams have toured Pakistan in the past five years as security improved, opening the way for the cricket-mad nation to stage the tournament.

“Pakistan has suffered enough and for a long time, but we have also won during this phase like the 2017 Champions Trophy and the 2009 Twenty20 World Cup,” Rizwan said.

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Still, the build-up has not been without problems after neighbours and arch-rivals India refused to play in Pakistan over long-standing political tensions. India will instead play their matches in Dubai.

Pakistan’s opponents in the tournament opener in Karachi beat them twice this month during a tri-series event that included South Africa.

“There shouldn’t be any doubts on our performance,” Mohammad Rizwan said. “We may not have played on our abilities but we all want to win the event for the country and people.”

For the unversed, after today’s game against New Zealand, Pakistan cricket team will then travel to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) for the much-awaited clash against arch-rivals India at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on February 23.

Pakistan will then return home to face Bangladesh in Rawalpindi on February 27.

Pakistan squad for ICC Champions Trophy 2025

Mohammad Rizwan (c), Babar Azam, Fakhar Zaman, Kamran Ghulam, Saud Shakeel, Tayyab Tahir, Faheem Ashraf, Khushdil Shah, Salman Ali Agha (vc), Usman Khan, Abrar Ahmed, Haris Rauf, Mohammad Hasnain, Naseem Shah and Shaheen Shah Afridi.

READ: Shahid Afridi believes THIS player deserved a place in Champions Trophy 2025 squad

Pakistan captain Mohammad Rizwan has revealed the batting position of the star batter Babar Azam ahead of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, set to commence tomorrow.

Babar, who has been Pakistan’s mainstay at the number three position, was promoted to open the innings with Fakhar Zaman in the recently concluded tri-nation ODI series.

However, his performance in this new role has been disappointing, as he returned with scores of 10, 23, and 29, sparking discussions about the decision to move him to the opening spot.

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While speaking at the pre-tournament press conference, Mohammad Rizwan confirmed that Babar Azam would continue in his new role as an opener.

“It’s not that we don’t have options; we do have. But if you look at the conditions, Babar is the right man to open,” said Rizwan.

“We are not sure about reports of Babar not opening the batting. We want genuine openers, but given the current needs of the team, we thought that Babar should open as he is a technically strong batter. He is our opener,” he said.

He further shed light on the ace pacer Haris Rauf’s availability for the opening match of the Champions Trophy against New Zealand.

“Haris Rauf bowled 80% yesterday, and now he is bowling in full rhythm. He is fit and available for the team,” Rizwan stated.

For the unversed, the defending champions and hosts Pakistan will begin their ICC Champions Trophy 2025 campaign with a game against New Zealand on February 19.

They will then travel to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) for the much-awaited clash against arch-rivals India at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on February 23. Pakistan will then return home to face Bangladesh in Rawalpindi on February 27.

Pakistan squad for ICC Champions Trophy 2025

Mohammad Rizwan (c), Babar Azam, Fakhar Zaman, Kamran Ghulam, Saud Shakeel, Tayyab Tahir, Faheem Ashraf, Khushdil Shah, Salman Ali Agha (vc), Usman Khan, Abrar Ahmed, Haris Rauf, Mohammad Hasnain, Naseem Shah and Shaheen Shah Afridi.

READ: Champions Trophy: Mohammad Rizwan provides update on Haris Rauf’s availability

Pakistan captain Mohammad Rizwan has put all speculation to rest regarding the fitness of Haris Rauf, confirming that the star pacer is fully fit and ready to deliver in the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy 2025.

For the unversed, Haris Rauf left the field during the 36th over of the tri-nation series opener against New Zealand after bowling 6.2 overs due to a muscular sprain in the lower chest wall region.

“Following MRI and X-ray scans, it has been confirmed that Pakistan fast bowler Haris Rauf sustained a muscular sprain in the lower chest wall region during Saturday’s match against New Zealand,” PCB shared in a statement.

“The injury is not serious and he is expected to be fully recovered for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, which commences in Karachi on 19 February.”

Mohammad Rizwan, while speaking at a pre-tournament press conference, provided clarity on Rauf’s recovery process.

“Haris Rauf bowled 80% yesterday, and now he is bowling in full rhythm. He is fit and available for the team,” Rizwan stated.

Rizwan also emphasized the importance of senior players stepping up, especially in high-pressure tournaments like the Champions Trophy.

“Being a senior player means taking responsibility. We have to lead from the front,” he remarked, highlighting the expectations placed on experienced players like himself, Babar Azam, and Shaheen Afridi.

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“We know there’s room for improvement, and we are working on it. No player is perfect, but our intention is to keep learning,” he added.

Rizwan also praised the efforts of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) in preparing Pakistan’s stadiums for the mega event.

“Our stadiums have been prepared in record time. We shouldn’t doubt our capabilities,” he asserted.

With the Champions Trophy set to kick off, Rizwan made it clear that the entire squad is focused on one goal: bringing the trophy home.

“It’s not just me and Babar who want to win the title; every player in the squad wants this, and so does every Pakistani,” Rizwan concluded.

For the unversed, the defending champions and hosts Pakistan will begin their ICC Champions Trophy 2025 campaign with a game against New Zealand on February 19.

They will then travel to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) for the much-awaited clash against arch-rivals India at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on February 23. Pakistan will then return home to face Bangladesh in Rawalpindi on February 27.

Pakistan squad for ICC Champions Trophy 2025

Mohammad Rizwan (c), Babar Azam, Fakhar Zaman, Kamran Ghulam, Saud Shakeel, Tayyab Tahir, Faheem Ashraf, Khushdil Shah, Salman Ali Agha (vc), Usman Khan, Abrar Ahmed, Haris Rauf, Mohammad Hasnain, Naseem Shah and Shaheen Shah Afridi.

READ: PCB explains absence of Indian flag at Champions Trophy venues

KARACHI: Pakistan captain Mohammad Rizwan has backed struggling Babar Azam to bounce back ahead of the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy 2025 and tri-nation series final against New Zealand.

Azam, whose last ODI century came against Nepal in the 2023 Asia Cup, has been struggling for runs in the format.

Moreover, he has also been promoted to open the innings for Pakistan after regular opener Saim Ayub’s injury.

While talking in a post-match press conference, Rizwan admitted that the team was under immense pressure during the match.

“We had already assumed that the target would be around 320.”

He praised Babar Azam’s strong start but pointed out that wickets fell quickly afterward.

“Babar gave us a good start, but then we lost wickets. At one point, I even stopped watching the match on the screen,” Rizwan revealed.

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He further stated despite the setbacks, Pakistan managed to secure victory.

“Allah helped us, and we won. However, our bowling needs to improve at the death,” he added.

While Discussing Babar Azam’s struggles, Rizwan acknowledged the expectations placed on him because of his numbers in international cricket.

“The issue with Babar Azam is that we demand runs from him in every match. He has become a brand, and perhaps that pressure is affecting him someway. Maybe luck isn’t on his side right now.”

Rizwan emphasized the team’s commitment to winning but pointed out inconsistencies in Pakistan cricket.

“We give our best effort to win. However, our cricketing culture has developed a pattern that never seems to have a consistent outcome.”

He also mentioned the absence of young all-rounder Saim Ayub, calling him a “complete package” that the team was missing.

“I was personally worried about how to cover for Saim Ayub in the field,” he admitted.

Rizwan also revealed that Babar Azam’s promotion to the opening slot was a strategic decision.

“We sent Babar to open the innings according to our plan,” he concluded.

Earlier, Mohammad Rizwan and Agha Salman’s sublime centuries powered Pakistan into the tri-nation series final after beating South Africa by six wickets.

Pakistan chased the daunting total of 353 runs in 49 overs on the loss of four wickets courtesy of brilliant batting from the above-mentioned pair.

Rizwan remained unbeaten on 122*, while Salman scored 134 off 103 deliveries before getting out. His innings included two massive sixes and 16 elegant fours.

READ: Rizwan, Salman tons power Pakistan into tri-series final; South Africa eliminated

KARACHI: Mohammad Rizwan and Agha Salman’s sublime centuries powered Pakistan into the tri-nation series final, as they defeated South Africa by 6 wickets at National Bank Stadium on Wednesday.

Pakistan successfully chased the daunting total of 353 runs in 49 overs on the loss of four wickets, courtesy of brilliant batting from the above-mentioned pair.

It was also Pakistan’s highest successful run chase in an ODI match, surpassing their 349-runs against Australia in Lahore in 2022.

Rizwan remained unbeaten on 122*, while Salman scored 134 off 103 deliveries before getting out. His innings feature two big sixes and 16 elegant fours.

Pakistan began with an explosive performance, driven by the outstanding batting of Fakhar Zaman and Babar Azam, who together scored 57 runs in just the first six overs. Azam was dismissed after contributing 23 runs from 19 balls, while Zaman accelerated to a brisk 41 off 28 deliveries.

However, the home team stumbled a bit, reaching 91-3 at the end of the powerplay as South Africa struck twice in quick succession. Wiaan Mulder dismissed Saud Shakeel (15), putting Pakistan under pressure.

Following the quick wickets, Rizwan and Agha Salman revived Pakistan’s chase against South Africa. The duo shattered the record for the highest fourth-wicket partnership for Pakistan in ODIs, adding 260 runs.

Salman departed in the second last over while Mohammad Rizwan remained not out ensuring his team crossed the finish line comfortably.

Agha Salman was named the Player of the Match for his brilliant batting. Pakistan will now play against New Zealand in the tri-nation series final here on Friday.

Wiaan Mulder bagged two wickets for South Africa, while Lungi Ngidi also claimed one wicket.

Earlier, South Africa captain Temba Bavuma, Matthew Breetzke, and Heinrich Klaasen struck dominant half-centuries to power their team to 352-5 in their 50 overs.

After opting to bat first, Bavuma gave his team the desired start, stitching a 51-run opening partnership with Tony de Zorzi (22).

Matthew Breetzke joined Bavuma at the crease after the first wicket and added 119 runs for the second wicket to take the team’s total to 170 before the Proteas captain fell courtesy of a run-out.

South Africa’s captain departed after scoring 82 runs from 96 balls with the help of 13 boundaries.

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Heinrich Klaasen joined Breetzke, and they attacked Pakistan bowlers, scoring 68 runs in 56 balls before Khushdil Shah removed the former.

Wiaan Mulder (2) fell prey to Shaheen before Kyle Verreynne, and Klaasen added a quick 78 runs from 48 balls for the fifth wicket.

Heinrich Klaasen scored 87 runs from 56 balls with the help of 11 boundaries and three sixes before Naseem Shah ended his stay at the crease.

Verreynne (44*) and Corbin Bosch (15) took their team’s total to 352-5 in their 50 overs.

For Pakistan, Shaheen Shah Afridi took two wickets, while Naseem Shah and Khushdil Shah bagged one each.

LAHORE: Pakistan white-ball captain Mohammad Rizwan defended the selection of all-rounder Faheem Ashraf over Aamir Jamal while addressing the concerns regarding the national team’s squad for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 on Friday.

Last week, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) announced the squad for the mega event, marking Ashraf’s return after a two-year absence.

The 31-year-old all-rounder’s inclusion in the squad also sparked outbursts from cricket fans and former cricketers who questioned his place in the team.

While addressing the media ahead of the tri-nation series against South Africa and New Zealand, Rizwan stated that the all-rounder was selected due to his performances in List A cricket.

“If you talk about Faheem Ashraf, his performance over the last two years has been good. His List-A average is around 46,” remarked Rizwan.

“Look, sometimes people think about how a certain player is making his comeback after a few years, but we make decisions considering the team requirements.”

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“We needed a fast-bowling all-rounder while Aamir Jamal was also a consideration but he [Faheem] was the best choice for us,” explained Rizwan.

The white-ball captain also reaffirmed the squad selection for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 by stating that as of now there aren’t any changes needed.

“The squad of Champions Trophy is in front of everyone, as of now there are no planned changes to the team,” said Rizwan.

For the unversed, Pakistan will begin their campaign in the much-anticipated Champions Trophy against New Zealand in Karachi on February 19.

Pakistan squad for tri-nation series and Champions Trophy 2025:

Babar Azam, Fakhar Zaman, Kamran Ghulam, Saud Shakeel, Tayyab Tahir, Mohammad Rizwan (c)(wk), Usman Khan (wk), Faheem Ashraf, Khushdil Shah, Salman Ali Agha (vc), Abrar Ahmed, Haris Rauf, Mohammad Hasnain, Naseem Shah and Shaheen Shah Afridi.

READ: ‘King Karlega’: Rizwan Backs Babar Azam as Opener for Champions Trophy

LAHORE: Pakistan white-ball captain Mohammad Rizwan has backed star batter Babar Azam as an opener for the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy 2025, saying that ‘King Karlega’, a phrase originally coined by fast bowler Hasan Ali.

Pakistan will begin their campaign in the much-anticipated Champions Trophy against New Zealand in Karachi on February 19.

While talking to the media ahead of the tri-nation series, Mohammad Rizwan backed Babar Azam as an opener alongside Fakhar Zaman for the eight-team tournament by referencing Hasan Ali’s famous words.

“As Hasan Ali said, ‘King Karlega’-he will do it, Saim Ayub was exceptional, he performed well and his absence will be felt,” said Rizwan.

The white-ball captain reaffirmed the squad selection for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 by stating that as of now there aren’t any changes needed.

“The squad of Champions Trophy is in front of everyone, as of now there are no planned changes to the team.”

He further said that the upcoming match against New Zealand will provide further clarity on the team’s combination and strategy.

Rizwan backed all-rounder Faheem Ashraf and Khushdil Shah by highlighting their batting performances over the past two years.

“Faheem has been averaging 46 in the last two years with the bat in List A cricket, Khushdil is in great form and there should be no doubts about his selection,” said Rizwan.

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For the unversed, Faheem last played for the Men in Green back in September 2023 while Khushdil’s last appearance for Pakistan in ODIs came in August 2022.

Rizwan also addressed the opening batter Fakhar Zaman’s recent health issues and labelled him a proven match-winner.

“Fakhar had no idea about his illness. It was only after medical tests that we identified the issue, he is a proven match-winner, and everyone knows his impact,” he explained.

Speaking about Gaddafi Stadium, Rizwan admitted that the venue felt new for the team, given the lack of recent matches there.

“Even for us, Gaddafi Stadium feels different now. We will assess the pitch conditions before making any decisions,” he remarked.

While shedding light on the team’s spin attack he downplayed injury concerns for spinners along with stressing that Abrar Ahmed would be supported by Salman Ali Agha and Khushdil Shah.

“Even if a spinner gets injured, they can still manage to play since their injuries are usually minor,” said the white-ball captain.

Pakistan squad for tri-nation series, Champions Trophy 2025:

Babar Azam, Fakhar Zaman, Kamran Ghulam, Saud Shakeel, Tayyab Tahir, Mohammad Rizwan (c)(wk), Usman Khan (wk), Faheem Ashraf, Khushdil Shah, Salman Ali Agha (vc), Abrar Ahmed, Haris Rauf, Mohammad Hasnain, Naseem Shah and Shaheen Shah Afridi.

READ: Fakhar Zaman reveals Babar Azam’s batting position in Champions Trophy

DUBAI: Pakistan players, including star batters Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan as well as spinner Noman Ali, made significant movements in the latest ICC Test Rankings released on Wednesday.

Pakistan suffered a 120-run defeat in the second Test of the two-match series against the West Indies earlier this week.

Noman Ali claimed bowling figures of 6-41, including a hat-trick, in the first session of the second Test to bundle West Indies for 163 in the first innings.

He took four more wickets in the second innings to complete his ten-wicket haul, which helped him jump four spots in the ICC Test Bowling Rankings to claim his career-best fifth place.

His spin partner Sajid Khan, who took six wickets in the match, also made a two-place jump to reach the 21st spot with 644 rating points.

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Meanwhile, Pakistan pacers Shaheen Shah Afridi, Mohammad Abbas and Naseem Shah, who did not participate in the Test series, dropped to 22nd, 27th and 40th spot respectively.

Babar Azam continued his ongoing struggles as he managed just one run off five deliveries in the first innings, and scored 31 runs off 67 balls in the second innings.

Overall, he scored 45 runs across four innings in the series, consequently losing three places to the 19th spot in the ICC Test Batting Rankings.

On the other hand, Mohammad Rizwan jumped two places to 15th, courtesy of his fighting knock of 49 runs in the first innings, which was followed by a cautious 25 in the second innings.

Saud Shakeel, who managed 45 runs across two innings, dropped one spot and is now sitting in 10th place with 739 rating points.

READ: Steve Smith achieves major milestone during first Test against Sri Lanka 

Former Pakistan Test cricketer and Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Ramiz Raja praised Mohammad Rizwan and Saud Shakeel for their batting performance in the first innings of the opening Test against the West Indies.

Pakistan completed their dominant 127-run victory over the West Indies in the first of a two-match Test series on Sunday.

Following Pakistan’s victory, Ramiz Raja shared his opinion in a video on his YouTube channel, highlighting the strategy to dismantle opponents with a spin.

“Pakistan pocketed this test match with authority. This square-turning pitch, much like the template set after the England series, completely exposed the West Indies’ lack of quality when it comes to handling spin,” said Ramiz.

“Their batters were not equipped to deal with the conditions or our heavy-duty spin attack.”

The former captain highlighted the unique skills each spinner—Abrar Ahmed, Noman Ali, and Sajid Khan—brought to the team, which contributed to Pakistan’s victory.

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“Each bowler brought something unique to the table, adjusting seamlessly to the wear and tear of the ball,” he added.

“Abrar is relentless with his accuracy, Noman’s variations on a spinning track are world-class, and Sajid’s angles make him a constant threat.

“Together, they formed a perfect spin attack that dominated the opposition.”

He also appreciated the 141-run partnership between Mohammad Rizwan and Saud Shakeel in the first innings. The two batters joined hands when the team was struggling on 46-4 and helped the team post a fighting total of 230.

“On a challenging pitch, the way Rizwan and Shakeel handled the pressure was brilliant. They turned the tide in Pakistan’s favor when it mattered most,” Ramiz Raja stated.

“Even though Pakistan’s batting stumbled in the second innings, they had already moved so far ahead that 250 was unachievable for the West Indies.”

READ: Sunil Gavaskar names his favorites for Champions Trophy 2025

DUBAI: Pakistan batters Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan suffered a steep decline, while Saud Shakeel made significant gains in the latest ICC Test Batting Rankings released on Wednesday.

It’s worth noting that Pakistan recently suffered a two-wicket defeat in a thrilling first Test of the two-match series against South Africa.

Saud Shakeel fell early in the first innings, scoring 14 off 6, however, in the second innings he played a gutsy knock of 84 runs against a fiery pace attack of South Africa.

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Consequently, he made a three-place jump in the ICC Test Batting Rankings to claim sixth position with 764 rating points.

Meanwhile, Babar Azam, despite breaking his half-century drought, dropped two places to 17th spot with 669 points.

He got out for four in the first innings but in the second innings, he scored a crucial 50 runs from 85 balls, laced with nine boundaries.

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On the other hand, Mohammad Rizwan continued his below-par run in red-ball cricket, scoring 30 runs across two innings in the first Test against South Africa. As a result, he dropped two places to 21st.

Pakistan’s spinner Noman Ali and pace bowler Shaheen Shah Afridi, who missed the first Test against South Africa, dropped one spot to ninth and eighteenth place respectively in the ICC Test Bowling Rankings.

Meanwhile, Naseem Shah gained six places to reach the 33rd spot after he picked four wickets across two innings against South Africa.

READ: Ravi Shastri suggests bold move to ensure Test cricket’s survival