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Pakistan cricket finds itself embroiled in yet another controversy, this time centered around ODI captain Mohammad Rizwan. Reports from Pakistani media suggest that Rizwan chose to play club cricket instead of participating in the National T20 Cup, a tournament organized by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB). His decision has sparked significant criticism, with former pacer Sikander Bakht leading calls for the PCB to take strict action.
Speaking on Geo Super after Pakistan’s second T20I loss against New Zealand, Bakht argued that centrally contracted players are “employees” of the PCB and should be obligated to play in all board-organized tournaments. He urged PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi to enforce stricter policies and even suggested revoking Rizwan’s central contract.
“They are employees of the Pakistan Cricket Board. They get 60 lakh per month, so they must play in the tournaments the PCB is organising. The buck stops with PCB. They have to make sure that players are available. If you are playing club cricket and not playing the tournament the board has organised, it means you are insulting the PCB,” Bakht stated.
Rizwan had taken over the ODI captaincy from Babar Azam and initially found success, leading Pakistan to an ODI series win against Australia in November 2024. However, since then, the team’s performances have declined, adding further pressure on his leadership.
Bakht believes that such issues stem from a lack of discipline within the PCB and called for immediate corrective action. “This shouldn’t happen. Mohsin Naqvi needs to be strict. He comes off as a polite person, but he needs to change his ways. You have to ask what is happening. Be strict. Stop their central contracts,” he asserted.
With Rizwan’s decision to prioritize club cricket over a domestic competition sparking debate, the controversy surrounding his future in Pakistan cricket only deepens.
Name of Author: Cricexec Staff
