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.

Multan Sultans, a prominent franchise in the Pakistan Super League (PSL), has taken a heartwarming step this season by launching a charitable campaign to support Palestinians. As part of this initiative, the team has pledged to donate Rs 100,000 (approximately $356) to Palestinian relief efforts for every six hit and every wicket taken by their players throughout the tournament.

The PSL, Pakistan’s premier T20 league, enjoys massive popularity and viewership across the country. With millions of passionate fans tuning in, the league not only serves as a platform to spotlight rising cricket stars but also proves to be an influential medium for promoting meaningful social causes. The announcement was made by Multan Sultans’ skipper, Mohammad Rizwan, during the toss ahead of their fixture against Karachi Kings. Renowned for both his cricketing prowess and his strong moral values, Rizwan delivered the news with grace and composure, earning admiration from fans and fellow players alike. This campaign reflects the team’s commitment to using their platform to make a positive impact beyond the cricket field, reinforcing the message of solidarity and compassion in a time of global need.

I have an announcement to make on behalf of Multan Sultans. With each six, four, or wicket from our players, we will be doing something to help the kids in Palestine and Gaza," Rizwan said at toss.

"We [Multan Sultans] have decided that in this [Pakistan Super League] season, we will support charity [foundations] in Palestine. We have decided, on behalf of our batters, that whenever any player from Multan Sultans hits a six, we will donate Rs 100,000 to Palestinian charities," announced franchise owner Ali Khan Tareen also confirmed it via video message.

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Star-Studded Squad with a Purpose

Multan Sultans have a very talented team this season. Major players such as Mohammad Rizwan, Iftikhar Ahmed, Usama Mir, David Willey, Michael Bracewell, Chris Jordan, and Mohammad Hasnain are all included in the team. With all these good players, the team should be able to hit a lot of sixes and grab a lot of wickets, which might result in lots of money being donated to a charity.

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Here is the complete Multan Sultans team for PSL 10:

• Platinum: Mohammad Rizwan, Usama Mir, Michael Bracewell
• Diamond: David Willey, Iftikhar Ahmed, Usman Khan
• Gold: Chris Jordan, Kamran Ghulam, Mohammad Hasnain
• Silver: Faisal Akram, Akif Javed, Gudakesh Motie, Josh Little, Tayyab Tahir
• Emerging: Shahid Aziz, Ubaid Shah
• Supplementary: Muhammad Amir Barki, Ashton Turner, Yasir Khan

The news was welcomed on social media. People tweeted using hashtags such as #SultansForPalestine and #CricketForHumanity to express their appreciation. The fans commented that this is a fine example of how sports can be utilized to do some good in the world.

The Pakistan Super League is one of the largest cricket tournaments in the nation. It is filled with millions of spectators and viewers. Now, with this initiative, it is also becoming a method of contributing to those who are in need. Multan Sultans proved that cricket isn't all about winning games. It's also about demonstrating heart. Each six and each wicket now has two meanings: one for the team and another for the kids in Palestine who will receive the support they require.

Mohammad Rizwan made an honest confession regarding his poor English communication skills ahead of Multan Sultans (MUL) season opener Pakistan Super League (PSL 10) match against Karachi Kings at National Bank Stadium, Karachi. 

Read More: IPL 2025: CSK coach remains optimistic about playoff berth despite toughest ongoing season

Pakistan International and MUL skipper Rizwan simply said to his trollers in Urdu, "I don’t care. I am proud of one thing, and that is whatever I say, I say from my heart. I don’t know English." He further added, "At the moment, Pakistan is demanding cricket from me. Pakistan is not demanding English from me. When it does, I will leave cricket and become a professor—but I don't have that much time." 

Rizwan said about importance of education 

The 32-year-old wicketkeeper-batter even explained why he was lacking in his English speaking— for lack of study. The star cricketer from Pakistan said, "I don’t know English. My only regret is that I did not get enough education, but I am not even one percent ashamed that I can’t speak English despite being the captain of the Pakistan cricket team." 

I don't care on win and learn qoute trolling , I am not Educated, mujhe English Nahi aati but mujhe taleem Hasil karna chaye thi : Muhammad Rizwan pic.twitter.com/VmqmeHhsx5

— ٰImran Siddique (@imransiddique89) April 11, 2025

Rizwan advised junior cricketers to complete studies to speak English properly: "I tell my juniors to complete their education so that they are able to speak good English."

The tenth edition of the Pakistan Super League has already started with an encounter between Lahore Qalandars and Islamabad United. United got a comfortable victory over Qalandars last night at the Rawalpindi cricket stadium. West Indian all-rounder with four wickets was the best performer of the game. Today, Multan Sultans is set to start their campaign and will definitely want to leave the field with all points by defeating Karachi Kings. 

Mohammad Rizwan, Pakistan's white-ball captain, found himself in the limelight of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 press conference when a reporter took a shot at him with a quote that has since gone viral: “Ya toh win hai, ya toh learn hai” (Either we win or we learn). As Pakistan’s optimistic phrasing following their premature tournament exit was widely mocked, the cynicism resurfaced when Rizwan famously mispronounced learn as “lan.”

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The reporter's question, which was deemed sarcastically disrespectful, was interpreted as a comment on the team failing to sustain any sort of success on the field. To ask something to the effect of, “Are you still learning, or is it winning time?” would suggest that, at least in the eyes of many, Rizwan had crossed the line in terms of civility blending with mockery, considering the captain's stature in the hierarchy as team captain.

Zalalat Pro Max😂😭 pic.twitter.com/lHiprKtChc

— 𝐀. (@was_abdd) April 10, 2025

Media Criticism vs. Respect for Players

Even with the offense, Rizwan is keeping calm. Responding as he often does, he tempered his words into typical humility while still standing firm on his taunt about winning: “Yes, I did say we either win or learn, and I stand by that. We are working hard to improve, and we will come back stronger.”

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The Pakistan Super League (PSL) 2025 marks the milestone tenth edition of one of cricket’s most electrifying T20 competitions. Kicking off on April 11 and culminating in the grand finale on May 18 at Lahore’s iconic Gaddafi Stadium, the tournament will feature top talent from Pakistan and abroad. With six franchises competing in a double round-robin format, fans can expect intense action across four key cities—Karachi, Lahore, Multan, and Rawalpindi.

Among the standout teams, the Multan Sultans have consistently demonstrated their strength, reaching multiple finals in recent seasons. Backed by a well-rounded squad and led by Mohammad Rizwan, they enter PSL 2025 with their sights firmly set on reclaiming the title. Here’s a look at their lineup and the best possible playing XI for the season.

The Multan Sultans squad features a strong blend of seasoned local performers and influential international players. Notable names include Mohammad Rizwan, Michael Bracewell, David Willey, Iftikhar Ahmed, Chris Jordan, and Josh Little, along with promising young talents like Ubaid Shah and Shahid Aziz. Their lineup is thoughtfully constructed to provide balance across all areas of T20 cricket — from deep batting reserves and varied bowling options to sharp fielding capabilities.

Also Read: PSL 2025: Multan Sultans Schedule for PSL 10

Multan Sultans’ strongest playing XI

Multan Sultans enter PSL 2025 with a well-rounded squad featuring a dynamic blend of experience and youthful energy. Leading the side is Mohammad Rizwan, who not only serves as the team’s captain and wicketkeeper but also anchors the innings as an opening batter. His leadership and consistency are expected to set the tone for both setting and chasing targets. Partnering him at the top is Usman Khan, whose aggressive approach during powerplays can provide explosive starts. Michael Bracewell strengthens the top order and adds value with his off-spin, offering balance in both batting and bowling. In the middle order, Iftikhar Ahmed plays a vital role with his finishing ability and part-time off-spin, especially in high-pressure moments. David Willey’s presence adds versatility, offering breakthroughs with the new ball and batting depth, while Tayyab Tahir brings fresh energy as a backup wicketkeeper and promising middle-order batter.

The bowling department is equally robust. Chris Jordan leads the pace attack, especially during death overs, supported by the raw pace of Mohammad Hasnain and the left-arm angle of Akif Javed. Usama Mir’s leg spin provides key middle-over breakthroughs, while Gudakesh Motie’s left-arm orthodox spin offers variation and control on turning tracks. Together, this squad is designed for adaptability, with each player bringing unique strengths that allow Multan Sultans to respond strategically to any match situation. With this balanced and skill-rich playing XI, the team is well-positioned to make another strong run for the title.

Probable Playing XI: Mohammad Rizwan, Usman Khan, Michael Bracewell, Iftikhar Ahmed, David Willey, Tayyab Tahir, Chris Jordan, Usama Mir, Mohammad Hasnain, Gudakesh Motie, Akif Javed

The much-anticipated tenth edition of the Pakistan Super League (PSL 10) is just around the corner, and excitement is at an all-time high. With the PSL 2025 Draft officially concluded, the squads are locked in, and all eyes are on the Multan Sultans (MUL), one of the most consistent and formidable teams in the league’s history.

Over the years, MUL have built a reputation for assembling a well-balanced squad, mixing experienced international stars with top-performing local talent. Their sharp selections have regularly taken them to the tournament finals, and this year’s lineup looks just as promising.

In this article, we’ll walk you through the top players who have made it into the Multan Sultans squad for PSL 10. From powerhouse foreign signings to emerging local stars, here’s everything you need to know about the team aiming to dominate PSL 2025.

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Multan Sultan (MUL) Squad 2025

The following list includes all the projected players who are now officially part of the Multan Sultans squad for PSL 10. Some names come as no surprise — loyal performers who’ve consistently stood by the team and contributed to its success over the years. With a strong mix of seasoned campaigners and exciting new additions, the MUL are geared up for yet another title challenge.

There are six majorly categories in which the players are divided:

1. Platinum
2. Diamond
3. Gold
4. Silver
5. Emerging
6. Supplementary

There’s no doubt that MUL are entering the tenth edition of PSL with one of the strongest squads in the competition. Leading the charge is none other than Mohammad Rizwan, who is Pakistan’s national team captain, a consistent top-order batter, and one of the best wicketkeepers in the modern game. His leadership has been pivotal in guiding Multan Sultans to the finals in past seasons, and he’s determined to clinch the trophy this time around.

Multan Sultans: Key Players to watch out for

Despite being an overall strong team, there are certain pillars of the team who have contributed much to the success of the team over the years.

1. Mohammad Rizwan
2. Kamran Ghulam
3. Tayyab Tahir
4. Shai Hope
5. Usama Mir
6. David Willey
7. Chris Jordan
8. Michael Bracewell

From 2021 to 2024, Multan Sultans consistently reached the PSL final, showcasing their remarkable performance and team strength. Although they fell short in the finals for three consecutive years, their consistent appearances highlight the strategic efforts of the team management. It’s clear that Multan Sultans carefully build a competitive squad each season, ensuring they remain strong contenders for the title year after year.

The third ODI between Pakistan (PAK) and New Zealand (NZ) will be played on April 5, 2025, at Bay Oval, Mount Maunganui.  New Zealand will seek to increase their lead, whereas Pakistan will hope to recover and tie the series. New Zealand currently lead the series 2-0 and will be aiming to win the final ODI to complete a whitewash against a struggling Pakistan team.

Match Details: NZ vs PAK 3rd ODI

• Match Date: April 5, 2025
• Venue:  Bay Oval, Mount Maunganui
• Match Time: 3:30 AM IST (Indian Standard Time)

Live Streaming & Broadcast Details

Cricket fans can watch the match live through various broadcasting platforms:

For Viewers in India

• TV Broadcast: Sony Sports Network
• Live Streaming: Sony LIV app and website, FanCode app and website

For Viewers in Pakistan

• TV Broadcast: PTV Sports
• Live Streaming: ARY ZAP and Tamasha app

For Viewers in New Zealand

• TV Broadcast: Sky Sport NZ
• Live Streaming: Sky Go and Spark Sport

ALSO READ:NZ vs PAK Prediction– 3rd ODI, Who will win today?

NZ vs PAK Predicted Playing XI

PAK Probable Playing XI

Imam Ul Haq, Abdullah Shafique, Babar Azam, Salman Agha, Mohammad Rizwan, Tayyab Tahir, Mohammad Wasim, Naseem Shah, Khusdil Shah, Sufiyan Muqeem, Abrar Ahmed

NZ Probable Playing XI

Will Young, Henry Nicholls, Nick Kelly, Muhammad Abbas, Mitchell Hay, Mark Chapman, Michael Bracewell, Nathan Smith, Ben Sears, Will O Rourkee, Adithya Ashok 

Ishan Kishan, a wicketkeeper-batter for Team India, seems to cast a shadow on Rizwan Mohammad of Pakistan for his constant appealing. Kishan spoke with Anil Chaudhary, a former umpire, and went on to suggest that someone’s level of appeal can get so extreme that the umpire will give the player out even if they shouldn’t.

‘No, these days umpires are wiser,’ Kishan said on a separate occasion. He adds, In my opinion, appealing from behind the stumps needs to be done appropriately; however, umpires might also get fed up with far too many appeals in such a way that people are forced to stop trusting genuine calls. ‘I think umpires have gotten smarter. There are too many unnecessary appeals, where if a player is clearly out, then there could be a chance they are given as not out. It's best to make an appeal only when there's huge confidence so even the umpires trust such judgment,’ Kishan noted. He commented that if he were to become styled like Rizwan, the men in blue may not even think before making the decisions.

Umpire Anil Chauhdary & Ishan Kishan making fun of Rizwan.

pic.twitter.com/HWoZ68cxnd

— M (@anngrypakiistan) March 26, 2025

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This discussion highlights the contrasting approach of players like Dhoni behind the stumps, where appeal after such a standard appeal was granted with such precision, further heightened by the fact that they're rather deep breaths of not dealing with Rizwan over appeals. While Dhoni’s appeals were well calculated, some, like Rizwan, have claims that end up making life tough for officials.

Kishan acknowledged umpiring’s pros and concurred that some umpires are quite respected, but others need to do better. He encouraged new umpires to be firm with their judgment calls and not give in to loud appeals or other outside influences.

Also Read: Ishan Kishan’s Top 5 Dream Opening Partners in IPL, Including Legends and Young Talents

“A few particular umpires are rather comforting to watch in a game, but I think new umpires as a whole need to step up their confidence levels, because at times there is too much second-guessing. If they think a batter is out, they should not need to think twice before raising the finger,” he further stated.

Pakistan Team has been out of the Champions Trophy where they have faced widespread criticism. Pakistan fought with the ICC to host the venue of the Champions Trophy 2025 and they were granted a hybrid model. While India refused to travel to Pakistan due to security reasons and political conditions. Pakistan played, their first match against New Zealand and lost the match eventually and travelled to Dubai to face their arch-rivals India. India beat Pakistan and within 4 days of its inauguration, Pakistan was out of the Champions Trophy. 

Having a mere chance but Pakistan match itself, was white washed against Bangladesh and both team setteled with single points. That raised various question on PCB their player managment their, staffs and most importantly the coach Aquib Javed. All were under the radar, Pakistan has lavished huge amount of money in, renovation of stadium and their team, were out within 4 days. Even fans had various questions around the team scrutinity. 

Read More: We will play fearless cricket says Pakistan New T20 captain Salman Ali Aga

Big players were under the radar.

It was noticed that Pakistan's team were under serious pressure, even their main players took the late acceleration. It has been said that when Babar and Rizwan play together run rate drops quickly. Even their bowling department had not worked out where Shaheen Afridi their premier bowler was leaking runs which mount up the pressure on, the team. Upon all this when their journey finished PCB tried to revamp everything from their system. As earlier they excluded Gary Kiersten and Gasom Gellispe too. Then they acquired Aquib Javed and under his guidance, they won the test series. 

After Champions Trophy everything was lost, Now Pakistan is ready with their next assignment of New Zealand series where they are going to play 5 t20 and 3 Odi international matches.  There have been lots of changes where Babar has been removed from T20s and added in ODI and Salman Ali Aga has given a chance to lead the team with Shadab Khan as vice captain of the team. 

Pakistan T20I squad: Hasan Nawaz, Omair Yousuf, Mohammad Haris, Abdul Samad, Salman Agha (capt), Irfan Niazi, Khushdil Shah, Shadab Khan, Abbas Afridi, Jahandad Khan, Mohammad Ali, Shaheen Afridi, Haris Rauf, Sufiyaan Muqeem, Abrar Ahmed, Usman Khan

Read More: Will India Take Up The Revenge Of 2000 Champions Trophy

Pakistan ODI squad: Mohammad Rizwan (capt), Salman Agha, Abdullah Shafique, Abrar Ahmed, Akif Javed, Babar Azam, Faheem Ashraf, Imam-ul-Haq, Khushdil Shah, Mohammad Ali, Mohammad Wasim Jnr, Irfan Niazi, Naseem Shah, Sufiyan Muqeem, Tayyab Tahir.

Basit Ali unimpressed by the selection

Former Pakistan player Basit Ali is clearly unimpressed with the team selection stating that deserving candidates still didn't get chance. In his You Tube channel he went on saying what type of selection is this, Where is Saud Shakeel your highest run scorer in Pakistan India game, now his name suddenly gone He has claimed that deserving players had been sidelined while others secured their places through backdoor channels. 

The selectors have chosen most of the CT squad you removed Babar in T20 and included him Odi was quite Ok, He went on to ask Where is Mohammad Hasnain, who is your next big fast bowler, not in the squad? He has proven his ability, yet he is ignored in both formats and he didn't get a chance in CT either. What kind of injustice is this to a young, talented player? It's like they are circulating these 3-4 players and making a team which is not good for the future of Pakistan Cricket.

Pakistan Drops Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan for New Zealand T20I Series

Pakistan's cricket selectors have brought in radical changes to the T20I side for the coming series against New Zealand. The biggest shock is that Babar Azam, the ex-captain, and Mohammad Rizwan, the wicketkeeper-batter, have been left out of the squad. Salman Agha is now the new T20I captain in their place, while Shadab Khan will act as the vice-captain.

New Faces in the Squad
With Babar and Rizwan unavailable, Pakistan has brought in new players to try their luck in T20 cricket. Mohammad Haris has been brought back into the team, while young guns such as Hasan Nawaz and Abdul Samad have been handed an opportunity. Omair Yousuf, a talented batter from the Quetta Gladiators, has also been added to the team.The bowling attack is unchanged, with Shaheen Afridi and Haris Rauf heading the pace attack. But Naseem Shah has been left out of the T20I team.

Pakistan name ODI and T20I squads for New Zealand tour

Details here ➡️ https://t.co/h5ZvZ3nuOY#NZvPAK

— PCB Media (@TheRealPCBMedia) March 4, 2025

Changes in the ODI Squad
For the ODI team, Mohammad Rizwan has been appointed as the captain, and Babar Azam is still in the squad. Shaheen Afridi, however, has been omitted from the ODI team. Left-arm pacer Akif Javed has been given his maiden call-up to the national team in his place. Abdullah Shafique also returns to the ODI team after being left out of the last tournaments.
ALSO READ:Best Opener is Back! Hashim Amla's Unbeaten 82* Steals the Show in ILT20!

Reason for the Changes
These are part of Pakistan's plan to try out new combinations before the T20 World Cup, to be held in the West Indies and USA next year. The selectors are eager to try out new talent and prepare a balanced team for the future.