Mohammad Rizwan to back seniors ahead of Australia series [Source: @manaav81/X.com]
In a big statement ahead of his first assignment as Pakistan’s white-ball format captain, Mohammad Rizwan assured that he will back the senior players under pressure, including Babar Azam and Shaheen Afridi. Moreover, the wicket-keeper revealed that he will adopt a consultative approach as captain to allow equal opportunities to youngsters to have a say in decision making.
Mohammad Rizwan is set to lead Pakistan cricket team in the upcoming ODI and T20I series against Australia. This is his first assignment since replacing Babar Azam as Pakistan’s white ball format captain. However, with great power comes great responsibility.
Pakistan’s recent form in shorter format has been unsatisfactory as Rizwan is tasked to rebuild his side from absolute bottom. Ahead of the first ODI on November 4, the captain attended a pre-game press conference and spoke about his leadership approach.
Mohammad Rizwan supports seniors ahead of series opener
According to Geo TV, Mohammad Rizwan assured to back senior players Babar Azam and Shaheen Afridi since the duo is under fire after getting dropped from the Test side. He noted that Babar and Shaheen made a name for themselves with their talent, and he completely trusts them to bounce back.
"Today Babar, Shaheen are known [to the world] only because of their performances. Babar and Shaheen understand this thing, [and] I will support them as much as I can," Rizwan said.
As for the captaincy, Rizwan revealed that he will go for a more consultative approach. He considers everyone a captain and if a youngster approaches him with an idea, the wicket-keeper promised to take that into consideration.
"For me, everyone is a captain, if they feel they have something good, they can share it [with me]. I am going to go [forward] via a consultative approach [on matters] and also seek advice from young players as well," he added.
Pakistan will play 3 ODIs against Australia on November 4, 8 and 10 followed by 3 T20Is on November 14, 16 and 18.
Babar, Shaheen makes comeback as Pakistan announces XI for 1st ODI
Hours leading up to the first ODI against Australia, Pakistan confirmed their playing XI. Babar Azam, Shaheen Afridi and Naseem Shah, the trio who were dropped from the Test side, have been included. Additionally, Irfan Khan, Saim Ayub will make their debuts and Kamran Ghulam will also mark a comeback after a year. While Rizwan will lead the side, Salman Agha has been named his deputy.