Mohammad Rizwan encouraged by Zaheer Abbas’ ‘special’ remarks

Pakistan’s wicketkeeper-batsman Mohammad Rizwan is happy to hear Zaheer Abbas praise his performance in international cricket, in the recent past.  

While speaking to Cricket Pakistan in an exclusive interview, Rizwan said that the Asian Bradman’s comments were special for him.

“This is the first time I’m hearing this. I didn’t know what Zaheer bhai had said because I hardly use social media. I don’t know how to describe my feelings on this. Praise from Zaheer bhai is very special for me. It has given me a boost in motivation to work even harder and continue to meet his expectations,” said Rizwan.

Abbas, earlier, in an exclusive interview with Cricket Pakistan had said: “Mohammad Rizwan has been batting really well. I didn’t expect him to improve his batting, in such a manner, in international cricket all of a sudden. Thankfully, we now have someone other than Babar who can support the batting department. If we can get two or three more batsmen like Rizwan and Babar, then our team will become one of the best in the world.”

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Rizwan also clarified that he is on good terms with former Pakistan captain Sarfaraz Ahmed.

“He is like my brother. There is no issue between us. My relationship with Saifi Bhai is the same as my relationship with Babar Azam, Azhar Ali and Shaheen Afridi,” he said.

“When I initially played for Pakistan, I used to field and Sarfaraz used to keep wickets. We did the same in recent Africa tour and everything was great. This is not my club team. It is Pakistan’s team and our objective is to perform for Pakistan. I respect Sarfaraz as a senior,” he added.

Rizwan does not get bogged down by expectations from fans either and instead revels in it.

“I enjoy the fact that people have expectations from me and Babar Azam like they used to have with past great players like Inzamam ul Haq, Wasim Akram and Waqar Younis,” Rizwan said.

“My objective is to give my hundred percent, not be behind anyone in hard work and leave the rest to Almighty Allah,” he concluded.