Mohammad Rizwan openly challenges PCB chief Mohsin Naqvi over Fakhar Zaman

Pakistan’s new white-ball captain Mohammad Rizwan has finally opened up about 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-fledged team comprising players like Babar Azam, Shaheen Afridi and Naseem Shah, the biggest surprise was Fakhar Zaman’s absence from the team.

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

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Mohammad Rizwan breaks silence on Fakhar Zaman snub

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

“There is no doubt about Fakhar’s impact, he is an influential player who can single-handedly change the game in any conditions. While some decisions are out of my control, we have discussed his possible return and hope the matter will be resolved soon,” 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 fast bowlers and spinners.

Fakhar Zaman’s international numbers

The left-handed batsman 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 victory in 2017. With next year’s Champions Trophy just around the corner, his experience could prove useful for Pakistan. Without him, they will feel the need to have an experienced hitter at the top.

Mohammad Rizwan on playing without Gary Kirsten

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

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

Gary Kirsten resigned from his position 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.