Mohammad Rizwan breaks silence on english-speaking trolls

Pakistan ODI captain Mohammad Rizwan has responded to online criticism about his English-speaking skills, saying he feels no shame and is proud of who he is.

Speaking at a press conference ahead of Multan Sultans’ opening match of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) season 10 against Karachi Kings, Rizwan addressed the recent trolling on social media related to his English.

The criticism began after Pakistan's poor performance in the ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025 and the white-ball series in New Zealand. Rizwan became a target of jokes and impersonations online, including a viral video where former Australian cricketer Brad Hogg interacted with someone mimicking Rizwan’s accent and speech.

However, Rizwan remained unbothered and said his main responsibility is to play cricket for Pakistan, not to speak perfect English.

“I don’t care about trolling,” Rizwan said. 

“I am proud of one thing — that whatever I say, I speak from the heart. And by the grace of Almighty Allah, I don’t know English. The only regret I have is that I couldn’t get more education. But I am not even one percent ashamed that I can’t speak English, even as the captain of Pakistan,” he added. 

He further added, “The demand from me is to play cricket, not to speak English. If Pakistan ever asks me to speak English instead of playing cricket, I’ll leave cricket and become a professor — but I don’t have that kind of time.”

Rizwan also mentioned that he encourages younger players to focus on education so they can represent the country better on international platforms. 

When asked why he doesn’t use a translator or speak in Urdu during press conferences or TV interviews, Rizwan admitted it was a good point but explained that he tries his best to get his message across.

“That is a valid point — we should speak Urdu,” Rizwan said. 

“But sometimes we feel confident enough to explain what we want to say in English,” he added. 

He ended on a humorous note, saying, “If an Englishman comes here, I can still talk to him and take him around the city for a day — and he won’t even notice anything. Only those who are already upset with me will find fault.”