Pakistan's Rizwan hits back at critics: Demand from me is cricket, not English

Dubai: Pakistan One-Day International captain Mohammad Rizwan has said he is not ashamed of his English-speaking skills despite repeated trolling on social media. The Multan Sultans skipper struck a fluent 105 not out against Karachi Kings at the National Stadium, but his efforts were in vain as a 142-run partnership between James Vince and Khushdil Shah powered the hosts to the third-highest successful chase in Pakistan Super League history on Saturday.

Rizwan, who produced a stunning display with the bat, hit back at criticism in a press conference, saying fluency in English was not a requirement of his job.

“I don’t care. I am proud of one thing and that is whatever I say, I say from my heart. I don’t know English. My only regret is that I did not get enough education, but I am not even one per cent ashamed that I can’t speak English despite being the captain of the Pakistan cricket team,” Rizwan said.

The right-handed batter urged junior cricketers to complete their education so that they are equipped to handle such scrutiny.

“The demand from me is cricket, not English. There is a regret that I did not complete my education, which is why I struggle in speaking English. I tell my juniors to complete their education so that they are able to speak good English,” he said.

“At the moment, Pakistan is demanding cricket from me. Pakistan is not demanding English from me. When it does, I will leave cricket and become a professor — but I don’t have that much time,” Rizwan added.

Rizwan has recently been mocked on social media for his lack of fluency during post and pre-match interviews, particularly during Pakistan’s tour of New Zealand.

The second match of Saturday’s double-header saw a high-scoring thriller, with 470 runs scored in under 40 overs.

Chasing a target of 235, Vince’s 101 and Khushdil Shah’s 60 took the Kings within touching distance of victory with a 142-run fifth-wicket stand. Despite both falling in quick succession, Karachi sealed the win with four balls to spare.

Earlier, Multan had posted a commanding 234 for three after being put in to bat, thanks to Rizwan’s 105 not out off 63 balls and useful contributions from Kamran Ghulam (36) and Michael Bracewell (44 not out).