Rizwan was given banned substances before SF vs Australia: PCB doctor

Mohammad Rizwan has improved his game in all three formats in the last few years. The wicket-keeper batter played an essential role for Pakistan in the T20 World Cup 2021. However, Rizwan was admitted to the hospital ahead of the semifinal match against Australia during his dream period. Nevertheless, he went on to play in the semifinals after being discharged from the hospital.

Pakistan maintained its unbeaten record in the pinnacle event before losing the all-important semis to Australia. However, the semifinal will be recalled for Rizwan’s doughtiness despite the heartbreaking loss. The 29-year-old was praised at the time for stepping on the field regardless of illness.

Pakistan Cricket Board doctor Najeebullah Soomro has revealed sensational details about Rizwan, claiming that the batter was given banned substances to recover.

Rizwan was admitted with a severe chest infection before the semifinal against Australia. 

“Rizwan had a strong desire to play for his nation in the crucial knockout match. He was strong, determined, and confident. I am astonished at the pace he had recovered. His pain at the time of admission was 10/10. So, we subjected him to a detailed evaluation to diagnose the condition,” the doctor stated.

“Esophageal spasms can feel like sudden and severe chest pain that lasts for a few minutes to hours. Rizwan had a severe infection. Recovery and gaining fitness before the semifinal seemed unrealistic. It would have normally taken 5-7 days for anybody to recover,” Soomro added.