Pakistani wicketkeeper batsman Muhammad Rizwan has thrown his weight behind Babar Azam as skipper, saying did not harbour intentions to displace Azam for the skipper’s post.
Speaking to The News, the PSL 2021-winning Multan Sultans captain said he would not run after the post and that as a firm believer and follower of Islam, he would rely on the destiny that God has decreed for him.
“As a strong believer, I can only say that I would never show or express my willingness for captaincy,” he said.
However, Rizwan said that in the event he was offered to lead the Men in Green, he would do his best for Pakistan and would make sure his role as skipper is justified.
He threw his weight behind incumbent skipper Azam, saying that the stellar batsman was “an excellent captain”.
“I am vice-captain for the longer format and know well that Babar Azam is an excellent captain,” noted Rizwan. “He has taken some tough decisions at crucial times during the last few series.”
When asked about forming solid partnerships with Azam, the wicketkeeper said he enjoyed taking responsibilities and living up to the challenge. “
Instead of feeling the pressure, I always enjoy accepting responsibilities and try to give my best efforts to help the team come out of a tough situation,” he said, praising Azam for being consistent.
“Together with Babar, I scored a double century in one of the T20 matches against South Africa in recent times,” he said.
Rizwan acknowledged Pakistan was struggling with its middle-order batsmen. However, he said Sohaib Maqsood’s inclusion in the side will help the team in its bid to lend support in case the upper order does not perform.
“Our coaches have done enough homework to fill that vacuum [middle-order],” he said.
Rizwan was full of praise for Pakistan’s top-order options Sharjeel Khan, Fakhar Zaman, Babar Azam and others. The Sultans skipper said he was available to perform at any position in the batting line-up for the team.
“Babar and I play according to the requirements,” he said.
