'He can improve..' - Iftikhar Ahmed makes bold remark on Mohammad Rizwan’s captaincy

Mohammad Rizwan’s tenure as Pakistan’s ODI captain, which began in October 2024, has come under intense scrutiny following a lackluster Champions Trophy campaign and a 0-3 ODI series defeat to New Zealand.  Rizwan proved himself valuable to Pakistan after taking over from Babar Azam by winning the ODI series against Australia. The Champions Trophy hosted in Pakistan ended in failure as Pakistan's team lost three matches, including against New Zealand and India, while a match versus Bangladesh was canceled due to rain, thus placing Pakistan dead last in their group.

When Salman Ali Agha took over as T20I captain, he replaced Rizwan and Babar from the team that was set to play against New Zealand. The ODI setback to New Zealand strengthened concerns about Rizwan's capabilities to lead, as some questioned whether his time in command would soon come to an end. Rizwan receives solid support from his Multan Sultans teammate Iftikhar Ahmed as they both participate in the Pakistan Super League matches.

During a recent interview, Iftikhar declared Rizwan to have the best available options for captaincy. “For me, if you compare everywhere, I think Rizwan is the best option. It’s not because he is my friend or that we play for the same club. If you assess our options, Rizwan is the best choice, and he can improve,” Iftikhar said. Rizwan demonstrates qualities of leadership development, which makes him the best captaincy choice at present. He challenged critics to understand that no better option exists for leadership selection.

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“Rizwan is the best choice for captaincy of Pakistan Cricket Team.” - Iftikhar Ahmed. #PSLX pic.twitter.com/rzkFqLwMXW

— Arfa Feroz Zake (@ArfaSays_) April 15, 2025

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Rizwan’s Response to Criticism

Trolls have targeted Rizwan with mockery about his English language skills in addition to his captaincy duties. “The demand from me is cricket, not English. There is a regret that I did not complete my education, which is why I struggle in speaking English,” Rizwan stated. A sense of regret exists because he failed to hold on until graduation, so he faces difficulties in English communication. As a result, he urges younger players to make education their main priority.

The Pakistani cricketer remarked with a hint of comedy that he would start teaching as a professor anytime Pakistan asked for English fluency, although he lacks the time right now. Rizwan shows determination to bring Pakistan future triumphs by focusing on performance under the support of Iftikhar's approval.