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Is Mohammad Rizwan’s T20I Throne Under Threat? 

Is Mohammad Rizwan’s T20I Throne Under Threat? 

Alright, cricket fans, hang on tight because we may be in for a shake-up in Pakistan’s T20I set up, which may see Mohammad Rizwan, who has been the T20 captain since then, and the love of the crowd, sitting out for a bit. Yup, you heard that right! After his great run, Rizwan is suddenly uncertain about his future in the T20 format. So, what sparked this turn of events? Let’s take a look at what’s happening in the wicket keeping and batting department for Pakistan.

Rizwan’s Spot: Comfortable or Wobbly?

A mainstay for years, Rizwan combines dependable batting with solid work behind the stumps for Pakistan’s T20 team. The player’s leadership and match performances have created a buzz that his profile has grown around the cricketing world. But that’s the nature of a results-oriented game—there’s a possibility that if his T20 reign is going to face serious contention, it’s in the past few weeks. Why? Because a relatively fresh face in Mohammad Haris grabbed the headlines, some notable performances against the Tigers in the just-finished Bangladesh series. 

To spice up this selection saga further, Rohail Nazir – a young, agile, fervent wicketkeeper-batter has been brought up with reports suggesting he is being considered for the next match because of his batting prowess. The selectors are contemplating a different path going forward and looking to build a side with vigor for the future.

Senior Players on the Bench?

This is where it gets even more interesting (or perhaps unsettling for fans). There is talk around the PCB that senior stalwarts Rizwan and Babar Azam may not play any international cricket for the next six months. Yes, gone for 6 months! It is, in fact, a six-month break for two of the highest-profile cricketers in Pakistan until the World Test Championship 2025-27 kicks off in November.

This implies that PCB is looking at a significant transition, with a major focus on future players for the T20I format in limited overs cricket. It’s not only forfeiting Rizwan’s position as a wicketkeeper, but also for new players to undergo the batting options, as younger players are competing hard for spots. If the PCB chooses to go ahead with this approach, it could mean Rizwan has a long absence in T20Is, believe it or not, interestingly, much to the astonishment – and likely disappointment – of many fans.

What About Sarfaraz, Sikandar, and the Selection Puzzle?

While Rizwan’s future is the subject of news, the selectors’ committee is, to some degree, also a question. At the time of these meetings, and in fact, Sarfaraz Ahmed and Sikandar Bakht were in discussion. By now, there is still no word on any changes in the selection committee. Pakistan’s cricketing future now rests in the hands of two calm veterans and one tactical mind who tweets like a coach and thinks like a gamer.  That lack of decisiveness might also be in parallel with the selection, and lead to that indecisiveness about the kind of players Rizwan was.

So, the question becomes, are we in a transition period where Pakistan is trialing not just new players, but also who is in charge? 

How does this impact Mohammad Rizwan’s role and Pakistan’s future in T20 cricket? This is a difficult position – on one hand, the veteran keeper-batsman has been the backbone of Pakistan’s limited-overs framework, but on the other, the rise of exciting new players means the selectors are thinking longer term. It remains to be seen whether Rizwan will fall into the T20 mix sooner rather than later, or will take more time before he transitions back.

Disclaimer: This Exclusive News is based on the author’s understanding, analysis, and instinct. As you review this information, consider the points mentioned and form your own conclusions.

 

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