Rizwan replaces Shan Masood as Multan Sultans captain

Published February 15, 2021
Mohammad Rizwan is also the national team's first-choice wicketkeeper and vice-captain in the Test format. — Photo courtesy PCB/File
Mohammad Rizwan is also the national team's first-choice wicketkeeper and vice-captain in the Test format. — Photo courtesy PCB/File

Days before season six of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) begins, Multan Sultans announced on Monday that Mohammad Rizwan will be leading the side in place of Shan Masood.

Rizwan, who is also the national team's first-choice wicketkeeper and vice-captain, has arguably been the highlight of Pakistan’s cricket this past year, scoring runs all over the world including in bowler-friendly conditions of Australia and New Zealand.

He was also the top-scorer in two of the three Twenty20 international matches in the recently concluded series against South Africa and was also named Player of the Series in both Tests and T20Is for his ravishing performances with the bat and gloves.

He was part of the Karachi Kings' squad in last year's PSL but was kept on the bench for the entirety of the tournament's fifth edition and could prove to be a costly slip for the defending champions as his heavy striking game has improved considerably over the past year.

Commenting on Rizwan's captaincy, Multan Sultans owner Alamgir Khan Tareen said the wicketkeeper-batsman has "shown exemplary leadership qualities with the Pakistan team as well as with Khyber Pakhtunkhwa in domestic tournaments".

"He is presently one of the very best in the world in his position and we are excited to have him lead our team," Tareen said in a statement shared by the franchise on Twitter.

The owner also expressed his gratitude to former captain Masood for "leading the franchise exceptionally well last season and for instilling a winning mentality within the team".

Meanwhile, Rizwan said he had "understood the innovative approach the franchise applied last season" and was looking to leading the team and playing his part.

Multan Sultans would aspire to be even better this season, he added.

"I am grateful to the owner and the head coach for this opportunity, and shall, God willing, repay the franchise for the trust that they've shown in me with positive results on the field," the statement quoted Rizwan as saying.

Opinion

Editorial

Military option
Updated 21 Nov, 2024

Military option

While restoring peace is essential, addressing Balochistan’s socioeconomic deprivation is equally important.
HIV/AIDS disaster
21 Nov, 2024

HIV/AIDS disaster

A TORTUROUS sense of déjà vu is attached to the latest health fiasco at Multan’s Nishtar Hospital. The largest...
Dubious pardon
21 Nov, 2024

Dubious pardon

IT is disturbing how a crime as grave as custodial death has culminated in an out-of-court ‘settlement’. The...
Islamabad protest
Updated 20 Nov, 2024

Islamabad protest

As Nov 24 draws nearer, both the PTI and the Islamabad administration must remain wary and keep within the limits of reason and the law.
PIA uncertainty
20 Nov, 2024

PIA uncertainty

THE failed attempt to privatise the national flag carrier late last month has led to a fierce debate around the...
T20 disappointment
20 Nov, 2024

T20 disappointment

AFTER experiencing the historic high of the One-day International series triumph against Australia, Pakistan came...