Iftikhar Ahmed Backs Rizwan as ODI Captain
Iftikhar Ahmed's endorsement of Mohammad Rizwan as ODI captain highlights the latter's strong leadership skills and performance in the Pakistan Super League, and may influence the Pakistan Cricket Board's decision on the team's leadership, potentially retaining Rizwan as captain.
Pakistan all-rounder Iftikhar Ahmed has expressed his support for Mohammad Rizwan to continue as ODI captain, citing his performance and ability to improve, despite criticism following the team's elimination from the ICC Champions Trophy 2025.
Iftikhar believes Rizwan is the "best option" for the role, highlighting his strong track record in the Pakistan Super League (PSL), where he led Multan Sultans to four consecutive finals, including a title win in 2021. Rizwan's leadership experience and individual performance, scoring 143 runs in two games, have impressed Iftikhar, who thinks he can improve the team's performance.
Rizwan has been under scrutiny following Pakistan's poor performances in the 2025 Champions Trophy and New Zealand tour, but Iftikhar's endorsement adds weight to his case, potentially influencing the Pakistan Cricket Board's decision on leadership roles. Iftikhar's backing is significant, as it comes from a fellow player who has seen Rizwan's leadership skills firsthand.
The Pakistan Cricket Board will likely take Iftikhar's opinion into consideration when deciding on the team's leadership, and Rizwan's performance in the ongoing PSL edition will be closely watched. With Iftikhar's support, Rizwan may retain his position as ODI captain, despite the criticism he has faced.