‘Ab apna Rizzu bhi bada aadmi ho gaya’ – Fans react as Pakistan Cricket Board appoints Mohammad Rizwan as vice captain for T20I series against New Zealand

In a significant move for Pakistan cricket, Mohammad Rizwan has been appointed as the new vice-captain of the national team, succeeding Shadab Khan. The wicketkeeper-batter, known for his stellar performances, will serve as the deputy to fast bowler Shaheen Afridi.

It’s worth noting that Afridi was recently rested from the Sydney Test against Australia. However, with an impressive record of 85 T20 internationals, Rizwan boasts an average of 49.07, featuring one century and 25 half-centuries. Despite his consistent contributions, criticism has been directed at his strike rate, which is currently standing at 127.30.

Rizwan’s appointment follows a series of changes in the Pakistan cricket setup, responding to the team’s disappointing performance in the 50-over World Cup, where they failed to qualify for the semi-finals. After Babar Azam stepped down from the captaincy, Shaheen Afridi was named the T20I skipper, while Shan Masood took charge of the Test side for the next two years.

Rizwan, with extensive experience in T20 cricket, having played 238 matches and captained the Multan Sultans in the Pakistan Super League since 2021, brings leadership skills to the vice-captaincy role.

“It is an honour to be ice captain,”  says Mohammad Rizwan.

Expressing his gratitude for the new responsibility, Rizwan stated, “It is an honour to be named as the vice-captain of Pakistan’s T20I side. I am thankful to the PCB for entrusting me with this responsibility. I am looking forward to working closely with the captain, coaching staff, and my teammates to contribute to the team’s success.”

Rizwan will commence his vice-captaincy duties during the upcoming five-match series against New Zealand, with the first game scheduled in Auckland on January 12. The series will be a crucial test for the team as they aim to regroup and put forth a strong performance. Additionally, the squad includes Azam Khan as the backup wicketkeeper, providing depth and options in the playing XI.

Pakistan squad for the New Zealand series:

Shaheen Shah Afridi (c), Mohammad Rizwan (vc) (wk), Aamir Jamal, Abbas Afridi, Azam Khan (wk), Babar Azam, Fakhar Zaman, Haris Rauf, Haseebullah (wk), Iftikhar Ahmed, Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Wasim Jnr, Sahibzada Farhan, Saim Ayub, Usama Mir, and Zaman Khan

Here is how fans react to Mohammad Rizwan’s appointment: