KARACHI, April 20, 2026 – Pakistan wicketkeeper-batter Mohammad Rizwan has vowed to continue working hard in a bid to regain his place in the national side across all three international formats, despite a prolonged dip in his T20 form and recent struggles in domestic competition.
The 33-year-old remains a key figure in Pakistan’s Test and One-Day International squads but has not featured in T20 Internationals since late 2024. His omission from Pakistan’s squad for this year’s ICC Men’s T20 World Cup drew attention, particularly as the team failed to progress beyond the group stage.
Rizwan’s recent performances in the Pakistan Super League (PSL) have also been underwhelming. Leading Rawalpindi, he has managed just 107 runs in seven innings, with a series of low scores including five consecutive dismissals below 20, raising questions over his current form in the shortest format.
Addressing his struggles, Rizwan acknowledged the difficult phase but rejected suggestions that he is nearing the end of his international career.
“Players are human beings and go through difficult phases in their careers, and it is no different for me,” Rizwan said. “But I still love playing cricket in all formats, and I have no intentions of giving up because of criticism directed at me.”
“I believe a player should only think about retirement when he himself knows that he has lost the ability to compete with others and has lost interest in cricket. I can still compete with others.”
Despite his T20 setbacks, Rizwan has been included in Pakistan’s squad for the upcoming two-match Test series against Bangladesh, part of the ongoing ICC World Test Championship cycle. Pakistan currently sit fifth in the standings.
Looking ahead, Pakistan are also scheduled to play a three-Test series in England later this year, with Rizwan expected to be part of the touring squad if form and fitness allow. He is also aiming to remain in contention for the 2027 ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup, set to be hosted by South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia.
“For me, cricket is a passion,” he said. “I play T20, Test, and ODI. I love cricket. That is why I play it. I don’t know anything else in my life.”
“Yes, I am losing now. My performance is not good. But by the will of God, my hard work is never less. I have worked hard. By God’s will, I will stand in front of you again, after my hard work.”
Rizwan remains one of Pakistan’s most experienced modern-day batters, but his immediate challenge will be to convert his domestic struggles into international resilience.