Was surprised to get Multan Sultans captaincy: Mohammad Rizwan

JOIN OUR WHATSAPP CHANNEL

Wicketkeeper-batsman Mohammad Rizwan was surprised to get Multan Sultans’ captaincy for the HBL Pakistan Super League (PSL) season six.

While talking to Cricket Pakistan in an exclusive interview, Rizwan compared the decision with his call-up for Under-19 team.

“My reaction over being appointed Multan Sultans’ captain was similar to what it was when I got called-up for Pakistan U-19 team. Back then, I was playing district cricket and could not believe that I was selected to play for U-19 team,” said Rizwan.

“I have been in and out of PSL in the past and suddenly now I’m the captain. I don’t feel any pressure because I have done captaincy in the past and also played with most of these players but this decision was a bit surprising for me,” he added.

He also revealed Shan Masood’s reaction, who was the captain previously, to the decision.

“Naturally Shan was upset about this decision for a couple of days but he has assured me that we will be give his best for the side during the upcoming season,” he said.

The right-hander was also optimistic about his team’s chances during the sixth season of HBL PSL.

“We have got all bases covered but the important thing is to find the right team combination. If we can do that, I’m sure we will succeed,” he said.

“We might not have energetic-type players but experience-wise he have the strongest group of players,” he added.  

ALSO READ: Chris Gayle eager to start HBL PSL 6 with a bang

He also praised Pakistan’s team management for backing him as a top-order player.

“Wiki [Waqar Younis] bhai deserves a lot credit for this [my improved performance and strike rate] because he always believed that I was a top-order batsman. Misbah [Misbahul Haq] bhai and Babar [Azam] bhai also backed me as an opener as well during New Zealand tour despite difficult conditions,” he said.

Rizwan also stated that he shared a healthy relationship with the entire Pakistan team, including former captain and wicketkeeper-batsman Sarfaraz Ahmed.

“I share good relationship with him [Sarfaraz Ahmed] and other members of the team as a united team is important to achieve good results on the field,” he said. “I can’t stop people from fighting on social media and will not respond to comments made by legends in this regard because I have a lot of respect for them.”