New Delhi: Should Muhammad Rizwan consider following the path of? Salman Ali Agha And got away with the T20I? The question loomed large when he addressed the media after another defeat for his team Rawalpindi, this time against Lahore Qalandars. Pakistan Super League. Rawalpindi’s have lost all seven of their matches so far, are at the bottom of the table.Agha recently said that he is ready to step away from T20Is if it helps him prepare better for the 2027 ODI World Cup and the ongoing World Test Championship cycle.During the press conference, Rizwan became a victim of pressure.However, the wicketkeeper-batsman gave an honest and introspective assessment of his recent form, making it clear that he is never one to shy away from self-criticism.“When I was playing in the Big Bash League, after I was selected, I clearly said there that based on this performance, I don’t deserve a place in the Pakistan team. I was the one sitting in front of you, and you were the one who said I can’t hit sixes, if you remember,” said Rizwan.The right-hander also revealed a candid conversation with teammate Haris Rauf, indicating that his honesty about his performance goes beyond public statements.“Even now, I am telling the truth – Haris Rauf is sitting right at the back, and if we had this conversation, he is a witness. When we were having dinner there, I told Haris that I do not deserve a place in the Pakistan team because of my current performance in the Big Bash League. The words he said to me at that time, I cannot repeat – but he knows,” he said.Insisting on accountability, Rizwan admitted his shortcomings but insisted that he was determined to fight through this difficult phase rather than walk away from the game.“I want to say this: we are all human. I have admitted from the beginning that I have made mistakes and my performance has not been perfect. But that does not mean that I will give up, sit down in front of you in defeat, or quit cricket. If I have the strength, I will continue. If not, I have gone to the Pakistan captain before and said that my performance is not good and my juniors should be given a chance.Responding to criticism of his form, the right-hander reiterated his willingness to be accountable and face tough questions.“I have said this many times, even when Sarfraz Ahmed was with the team. And I will say it again. I’m not afraid of questions, and I’m not afraid of the media. If something isn’t right with me, it isn’t. And if you think I should retire at that age, I will,” Rizwan said.He also spoke about his deep passion for cricket, stressing that the game remains central to his life despite the current struggles.Acknowledging his recent setbacks, Rizwan vowed to come back stronger with more hard work and determination.“Cricket is a passion for me – it comes first, whether it’s T20s, Tests, or ODIs, I love cricket. I play because I don’t know anything else in life. I don’t have a business, and I don’t play any other sports,” he said.“Yes, I just failed. I’m sitting here in front of you without performing. Maybe I didn’t work hard enough. Maybe I’ll come back stronger with more work and face you again. But right now, my work wasn’t enough – and that’s why you’re seeing these results,” he concluded.
