Rizwan unfazed by Kirsten’s exit, focused on Australia tour

English , Snippets , Sports - کھیل اور کھلاڑی , / Wednesday, October 30th, 2024

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KARACHI: Pakistan’s new ODI and T20I captain, Mohammad Rizwan, remains confident despite the resignation of head coach Gary Kirsten, with the team gearing up for the Australia tour. Kirsten’s departure reportedly stems from the Pakistan Cricket Board’s (PCB) lack of consultation on player selection for both the Australia and Zimbabwe series. Names such as Aaqib Javed and Saqlain Mushtaq are being floated as potential successors.

For Rizwan, however, unity and focus take precedence over any coaching changes. “Representing Pakistan means working with everyone to achieve success for the country,” he remarked in a media session on Tuesday, ahead of the team’s departure to Melbourne, where they face Australia in the first ODI on November 4.

Pakistan’s squad includes several promising young talents but notably omits Fakhar Zaman, absent from both the Australia and Zimbabwe tours and from the central contracts list. Fakhar, considered a game-changer, has faced criticism for openly challenging PCB policies. Rizwan expressed hope for resolution, acknowledging Fakhar’s influence on the game while emphasizing selection rests with PCB officials.

Pakistan’s ODI series in Australia will continue in Adelaide and Perth on November 8 and 10, followed by three T20 matches. Rizwan assured that the team was “thoughtfully formed,” encouraging his teammates to give their best on the field.