India And Pakistan Players Want To Play Against Each Other: Mohammad Rizwan

Pakistani wicket keeper-batter Mohammad Rizwan has revealed that players from both India and Pakistan want to play with each other, but due to political tensions, it has become impossible.

The everlasting arch rivals last locked horns in a bilateral series in January 2013 when the two Asian giants played two T20Is and three ODIs during Pakistan’s tour to India. 

However, the neighbouring countries have regularly taken on each other in ICC tournaments. They last met in ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2021 held in the United Arab Emirates and Oman. 

In a media interaction ahead of the ODI series against West Indies, Pakistani wicketkeeper-batter Rizwan said: 

"The cricketers from Pakistan and India want to play against each other, but the state-level affairs are not in the control of players."

Rizwan further recalled his memorable County stint with India Test veteran Cheteshwar Pujara and lauded him, saying that he rates Pujara very highly when it comes to concentration and focus.   

Rizwan and Pujara recently played together for Sussex in the County Championship. Pujara, who was earlier dropped from the Indian Test team looked in good touch, having scored two centuries and two double centuries, which helped him regain his slot in the team. 

“I had discussions with Pujara regarding cricket and learned a lot of things from him. We are no different as players, we are one cricketing family. Pujara is a very nice guy. I admire his concentration and focus. I believe Younis Khan, Fawad Alam, and Che Pujara are three players I rate very highly in this regard,” Rizwan added. 

Pakistan will next host the West Indies for a three-match One Day International (ODI) series, starting from June 08. The series opener will be played at the Multan Cricket Stadium.