Mohammad Rizwan best choice for Pakistan captaincy at the moment: Iftikhar Ahmed

Iftikhar Ahmed has shown his support for Pakistan's ODI skipper Mohammad Rizwan and said that he is the best option for captaincy at the moment. Rizwan was appointed as the skipper of the Pakistan ODI and T20I captain in October 2024, replacing Babar Azam. The wicketkeeper-batter had a great start to life as captain as he won the ODI series against Australia down under.

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However, things unravelled for Rizwan during the home Champions Trophy campaign earlier this year. Pakistan lost to New Zealand and arch-rivals India and finished last in their group after the final game against Bangladesh was washed out. Rizwan and Babar were then dropped from the T20I squad for the New Zealand tour as Salman Ali Agha took over as captain.

Rizwan returned for the ODI series as captain but Pakistan were humbled by the Blackcaps 0-3. This has raised speculation about Rizwan's position in the team as the skipper with many feeling his tenure could come to an end soon as he was relieved off the T20I duties.

Speaking in an interview, Iftikhar continued to back his Multan Sultans captain. The batter said that if you look at the current options, Rizwan is the best one at the moment. Iftikhar feels that Rizwan can continue to improve as captain.

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“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, Multan Sultans. If you assess our options, Rizwan is the best choice and he can improve,” said Iftikhar.

“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

Rizwan hits out at trolls

Rizwan recently hit out against trolls, who have mocked him for his English. The wicketkeeper-batter said that the demand from Pakistan at the moment from him is cricket and not his proficiency in English.

“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. I tell my juniors to complete their education so that they are able to speak good English,” Rizwan said.

“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,” said Rizwan.

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