Quetta Gladiators vs Rawalpindiz Toss Update, PSL 2026: RWP Opt To Bowl First Quetta Gladiators and Rawalpindiz will face off in match No. 18 of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 2026 at the National Stadium in Karachi on April 10. The Rawalpindiz captain, Mohammad Rizwan, won the toss and chose to bowl first. This decision comes as both teams enter the contest after suffering recent defeats. Quetta Gladiators, led by Saud Shakeel, have managed only one win in their first four matches, while Rawalpindiz remain winless in the tournament, having lost four consecutive games. The match will be a critical test for both sides, with Quetta Gladiators aiming to avoid a hat-trick of losses against a struggling Rawalpindiz team. The playing XI for Quetta Gladiators includes Sam Harper, Khawaja Nafay (wicketkeeper), Saud Shakeel (captain), Rilee Rossouw, Hasan Nawaz, Bevon Jacobs, Jahandad Khan, Khalil Ahmed, Abrar Ahmed, Kashif Bhatti, and Usman Tariq. Rawalpindiz’ squad features Mohammad Rizwan (captain and wicketkeeper), Usman Khawaja, Yasir Khan, Daryl Mitchell, Sam Billings, Abdullah Fazal, Saad Masood, Mubasir Khan, Asif Afridi, Ben Sears, and Mohammad Amir. Saud Shakeel, reflecting on the team’s performance, emphasized the need to address issues in the middle overs, where the team has struggled to maintain momentum. He noted that the team will assess conditions based on the batting powerplay and set a target of 170 runs. Shakeel also mentioned that four changes to the playing XI were made to improve their chances. Mohammad Rizwan, on the other hand, expressed confidence in the team’s ability to apply the finishing touches required to secure victories.#saud_shakeel #mohammad_rizwan #pakistan_super_league #quetta_gladiators #rawalpindiz
Gary Kirsten Reflects on Challenging Pakistan Coaching Stint After taking charge of the Sri Lankan cricket team, Gary Kirsten has revisited a brief yet complex chapter of his coaching career—his time with Pakistan. The tenure, which lasted just five months and included six T20 matches, was described by Kirsten as “pretty much incidental in terms of an experience.” However, the memories of the people he worked with left a lasting impression. Kirsten, who led India to victory in the 2011 ODI World Cup, served as Pakistan’s head coach from April to October 2024. His departure came amid tensions with the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) over issues such as team selection, captaincy decisions, and external interference. One of the key conflicts arose when the PCB appointed Mohammad Rizwan as Pakistan’s white-ball captain, a move Kirsten strongly disagreed with. In an interview with BBC, Kirsten candidly discussed the challenges he faced during his time in Pakistan. He highlighted the recurring issue of interference, which he described as “intimidating” and “involved.” While he did not name specific individuals, he emphasized that the lack of autonomy as a coach undermined his ability to fulfill his role. “Throughout my career, I’ve experienced different levels of interference across countries,” Kirsten explained. “The real challenge was the extent to which it could feel overwhelming. If you have no influence as a coach, what’s the point? I’ve dedicated 38 years to cricket because I believe in adding value. If that’s lost, I don’t see the purpose of the job.” For someone with nearly four decades of experience in the sport, the absence of influence was more than frustrating—it contradicted his core belief in coaching.#icc_men_s_t20_world_cup #pakistan_cricket_board #mohammad_rizwan #gary_kirsten #bbc
Babar, Shaheen, Rizwan not the problem with Pakistan: Awful talent bucket, gulf with India evident in ‘new-look’ squad The series loss against Bangladesh once again highlights the significant shortage of young talent in Pakistan cricket, according to recent analysis. Despite the presence of established stars like Babar Azam, Shaheen Shah Afridi, and Mohammad Rizwan, the team's struggles underscore a deeper issue in the development pipeline. Analysts argue that the gap between Pakistan's current squad and India's emerging talent pool is widening, with the latter consistently producing high-quality players at a younger age. This disparity is evident in the results, as Pakistan continues to face challenges in maintaining competitiveness against teams with a stronger pipeline of prospects. The situation raises concerns about the long-term sustainability of Pakistan's cricketing success and the need for urgent investment in youth development programs to bridge the gap.#babar_azam #shaheen_shah_afridi #pakistan_cricket_board #mohammad_rizwan #india_cricket_team
Salman Agha's bizarre run-out during Pakistan vs Bangladesh ODI series sparks viral reaction Salman Agha's unusual dismissal during the second match of the three-game ODI series between Pakistan and Bangladesh has become a talking point on social media. The incident, which occurred on March 13, saw the Pakistan batsman run out in a comically awkward manner, prompting both fans and authorities to share humorous takes. The Rawalpindi police even joined the fun by posting a lighthearted message about the event, emphasizing the importance of safety and awareness. The run-out happened during Pakistan's innings in the second match. As Mohammad Rizwan bowled to Mehedi Hasan Miraz, the ball appeared to be dead, leading Salman Agha to step out of his crease to retrieve it. However, the ball did not reach him, and Miraz swiftly removed the stumps, resulting in Agha's dismissal. The moment was captured on video and quickly went viral, with Agha himself appearing visibly frustrated in the footage. The incident added to the excitement of a closely contested series that is currently tied at 1-1. Bangladesh had won the first match by eight wickets, while Pakistan secured a dramatic victory in the second game under the Duckworth-Lewis-Stern method after rain interrupted play. The police's response to the run-out highlighted a broader message about personal responsibility and vigilance, both on and off the field. The viral post from Rawalpindi police included a photo of Agha's dismissal, accompanied by a caption urging individuals to prioritize safety and make informed decisions. The message, translated into English, read: "Whether on the road or on the playing field, safety begins with personal responsibility. Trust yourself, stay alert, and make wise decisions to keep yourself and others safe.#mohammad_rizwan #mehedi_hasan_miraz #odi_series #salman_aga #rawalpindi_police
Bangladesh Captain Mehidy Hasan Miraz Addresses Controversial Run-Out in BAN vs PAK 2nd ODI Bangladesh and Pakistan played the second One-Day International (ODI) of their series on Friday at the Sher-e-Bangla Stadium in Dhaka. Pakistan emerged victorious, leveling the series at 1-1. However, the match gained significant attention not for its outcome but for a contentious run-out incident involving Pakistan’s Salman Agha. The moment sparked debate over sportsmanship and adherence to cricketing rules. The controversial run-out occurred during Pakistan’s innings in the 39th over. Mehidy Hasan Miraz, the Bangladesh captain, bowled to Mohammad Rizwan, who attempted to run the ball toward the bowler’s end. Miraz, in an attempt to retrieve the ball, collided with Agha, who was positioned outside the crease. The ball came to a halt, prompting Agha to abandon his single and instead attempt to retrieve the ball himself. Miraz then threw the ball at the stumps, and the third umpire ruled Agha out for a run-out. Miraz defended his decision post-match, stating, “My intention was solely to stop the ball and prevent potential runs. Agha was outside the crease, and I was simply trying to retrieve the ball. If I had missed the ball, he could have easily scored additional runs, so I decided to throw at the stumps.” The incident drew mixed reactions. Agha, visibly upset, threw his gloves and helmet in frustration and used harsh language toward Bangladesh players. Former Pakistan captain Rameez Raja, commenting on the incident, expressed disappointment, emphasizing that sportsmanship and respect for the game are paramount. The match itself saw Pakistan post a competitive total of 274 runs, supported by Mohammad Sadiq (75), Salman Agha (64), and Mohammad Rizwan (44).#mohammad_rizwan #bangladesh #mehidy_hasan_miraz #salman_aghaz #sher_e_bangla_stadium
Pakistan's Cricket Team Loses to Bangladesh, Ahmed Shehzad Criticizes Mohammad Rizwan's Performance Pakistan's cricket team suffered a heavy defeat against Bangladesh in a recent match, with the latter securing an 8-wicket victory. The match, part of a series, saw Bangladesh dominate the batting lineup, while Pakistan's bowlers struggled to contain the opposition. Ahmed Shehzad, a prominent Pakistan cricketer, took to social media to criticize Mohammad Rizwan's performance, calling him inconsistent. In a viral video clip, Shehzad remarked, "What changes have you made? Rizwan is still the same as when he was out in the New Zealand series. As soon as a fast bowler comes on, he starts clapping. He has no technique, and I don’t understand how he plays." Shehzad highlighted Rizwan's lack of technical skills and his tendency to panic under pressure. Rizwan's poor performance contributed significantly to Pakistan's downfall. He scored just 10 runs in his innings, failing to provide stability to the middle order. His dismissal left Pakistan in a precarious position, with the team managing only 114 runs in 30.4 overs. Bangladesh's victory was anchored by the brilliant performance of 23-year-old fast bowler Naid Rana. In just 7 overs, Rana took 5 wickets for 24 runs, earning the "Player of the Match" award. His disciplined bowling and ability to strike the right balance between aggression and control dismantled Pakistan's batting lineup. Bangladesh's batting side also delivered a strong performance, with opener Tanzid Hasan scoring 67 runs off 42 balls, including 7 fours and 5 sixes. The Tigers chased down the target with ease, finishing the innings in 35 overs to take a 1-0 lead in the series.#mohammad_rizwan #bangladesh_cricket_team #pakistan_cricket_team #ahmed_shehzad #naid_rana
India batters win rankings boost for T20 World Cup heroics India’s cricket team has seen a significant rise in their T20 International (T20I) batting rankings following their dominant performances in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026. The squad’s success in the tournament has propelled several players into the top tiers of the global rankings. Shubman Gill, who led India to a semifinal finish, has climbed to second in the T20I batting rankings, while Mohammad Rizwan has dethroned Babar Azam to claim the number one spot. The BCCI has announced a substantial cash reward of INR 131 crore for the team’s victory in the tournament, reflecting the growing financial stakes in international cricket. The prize money for the final is expected to be a significant portion of this amount, with details yet to be officially disclosed. India’s performance in the tournament has also been highlighted by standout contributions from key players. Ravindra Jadeja’s all-round efforts and the aggressive batting of Shikhar Dhawan and Virat Kohli have been instrumental in securing crucial victories. The team’s undefeated run in the group stage has further solidified their position as a top-tier force in T20 cricket. The ICC has also announced the match officials for the semi-finals, with a mix of experienced and emerging umpires overseeing the high-stakes matches. Meanwhile, the tournament’s viewership figures have shattered previous records, with the India vs Pakistan semifinal drawing an unprecedented audience. The success of the Indian team has not gone unnoticed by the global cricket community. Bollywood celebrities such as Kareena Kapoor and Anil Kapoor have publicly celebrated India’s achievements, underscoring the sport’s growing popularity in the country.#bcci #shubman_gill #babar_azam #mohammad_rizwan #india_cricket_team
Mohammad Rizwan Defends Ghazi Ghori’s Maiden ODI Call-Up Former Pakistan captain Mohammad Rizwan has publicly supported the inclusion of wicketkeeper Ghazi Ghori in the team’s ODI squad for the upcoming series against Bangladesh, emphasizing that the decision was based on performance rather than speculation. Speaking during Pakistan’s training camp in Karachi, Rizwan addressed the controversy surrounding Ghori’s selection, which has drawn criticism from some quarters. He stressed that the move reflects a merit-based approach to team-building. “Ghazi has come into the team on the basis of performance. Everyone is entitled to their opinion,” Rizwan said. Ghori, who is one of six uncapped players in the squad, is part of a broader strategy to introduce fresh talent into the national setup. Rizwan framed the inclusion as a positive step for Pakistan cricket, particularly in the wicketkeeping department, where competition has historically been limited. He highlighted the importance of nurturing young players at the international level, noting that Ghori’s presence in the squad could signal a shift toward long-term development. “Right now, Ghazi is in the squad, but if you look at the past, many wicketkeepers have been performing. It’s good if more keepers come through the system because Pakistan might finally find what it has been searching for,” he added. Beyond the selection debate, Rizwan also warned against underestimating Bangladesh, particularly in their home conditions. “On paper, the series may look easy, but Bangladesh are a tough side in their own conditions. The pitches there suit them,” he said. This comment underscores the challenge Pakistan faces in Dhaka, where the team will compete in a three-match ODI series from March 11 to 15.#pakistan #mohammad_rizwan #karachi #ghazi_ghori #bangladesh
आईसीसी टी20 वर्ल्ड कप 2026 के लिए खिलाड़ियों के नामांकन के बारे में जानकारी देते हुए, निम्नलिखित खिलाड़ियों के नाम नामांकित किए गए हैं: संजू सैमसन (भारत): भारत के स्टार विकेटकीपर बल्लेबाज ने वेस्टइंडीज और इंग्लैंड के खिलाफ सुपर-8 और सेमीफाइनल में धमाकेदार प्रदर्शन किया। वेस्टइंडीज के खिलाफ 50 गेंदों में नाबाद 97 रन और इंग्लैंड के खिलाफ 42 गेंदों में 89 रन के साथ टीम को जीत दिलाए। ग्लेन फिलिप्स (न्यूजीलैंड): न्यूजीलैंड के लिए अहम मैचों में अहम भूमिका निभाई, विशेष रूप से फिन एलन के साथ 117 रन की साझेदारी के लिए जाने जाते हैं। बाबर आजम (पाकिस्तान): पाकिस्तान के लिए अपनी अद्वितीय बल्लेबाजी और लीडरशिप के लिए नामांकित। मोहम्मद रिजवान (पाकिस्तान): अपनी तेज बल्लेबाजी और टीम के लिए अहम रन बनाने के लिए चर्चा में। जो रूट (इंग्लैंड): इंग्लैंड के लिए अपनी अहम बल्लेबाजी और टीम के लिए अहम रन बनाने के लिए नामांकित। लॉरेंस बोल्वर्ड (ऑस्ट्रेलिया): अपनी तेज बल्लेबाजी और टीम के लिए अहम रन बनाने के लिए चर्चा में। मिच डेविस (न्यूजीलैंड): न्यूजीलैंड के लिए अपनी अहम बल्येबाजी और टीम के लिए अहम रन बनाने के लिए नामांकित। सैम फिल्ड (ऑस्ट्रेलिया): अपनी तेज बल्लेबाजी और टीम के लिए अहम रन बनाने के लिए चर्चा में। इन खिलाड़ियों के बीच भारत के संजू सैमसन और पाकिस्तान के बाबर आजम विशेष रूप से चर्चा में हैं, जिनके अहम प्रदर्शन ने टूर्नामेंट के लिए खिलाड़ी ऑफ द टूर्नामेंट के लिए उन्हें नामांकित किया है।#icc_t20_world_cup_2026 #sanju_samson #babar_azam #mohammad_rizwan #glen_phillips
Rizwan jokes about fines for journalists during training session in Karachi Mohammad Rizwan, Pakistan’s former cricket captain, humorously suggested during a training session in Karachi that journalists should face fines similar to players, though he acknowledged the Pakistan Cricket Board was unlikely to impose such penalties. Speaking to reporters in a relaxed tone, Rizwan quipped, “The players have been fined, but journalists should be fined too. You people should also pay the penalty—your situation is no different.” The remark came as part of a broader discussion about the media’s role in shaping public perception of cricketers. Rizwan emphasized the significant influence media outlets have in shaping how fans view players, noting that public opinion about athletes like Shaheen Shah Afridi and Salman Ali Agha often hinges on how their actions are portrayed in the press. He also expressed appreciation for sections of the media that support the national team, acknowledging their efforts in defending Pakistan’s cricketing interests. Reflecting on Pakistan’s exit from the World Cup, Rizwan stated the team was eliminated on a run-rate basis rather than by losing a match outright. He highlighted the unpredictable nature of cricket, citing examples such as Zimbabwe’s unexpected victory over Australia as a reminder that even strong teams can face surprising outcomes. “Pakistan went out of the event on net run rate, not because of losing outright,” he said, underscoring the challenges of tournament cricket. Rizwan’s comments underscored the delicate balance between accountability and support for athletes, while also acknowledging the broader context of competitive sports where results can be influenced by factors beyond individual performance.#shaheen_shah_afridi #salman_ali_agh #pakistan_cricket_board #mohammad_rizwan #karachi
Mohammad Rizwan's Shock Reply As Reporter Compares Pakistan's T20 World Cup Performance With India Pakistan’s cricket team was eliminated from the T20 World Cup in the Super 8 stage after a poor campaign, with the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) planning penalties for players over their underwhelming performances. However, veteran wicketkeeper-batter Mohammad Rizwan downplayed the team’s exit, attributing it to net run rate (NRR) rather than outright failure. During a nets session, Rizwan engaged in a conversation with a reporter who questioned Pakistan’s performance and compared it to India’s strong showing in the tournament. Rizwan dismissed concerns about the team’s match against Sri Lanka, stating that winning the game was what mattered. “It doesn’t matter. In the end, we won that match, that’s what counts,” he said. When the reporter highlighted India’s dominant semi-final performance against England, Rizwan responded with indifference, claiming he didn’t watch their matches. “Sorry, I don’t watch their matches,” he remarked. Rizwan also criticized the media for shaping public perception of players, suggesting journalists should face penalties for their portrayal. “The players have been fined, but journalists should be fined too,” he said. “You people should also pay the penalty—your situation is no different.” He added that the way players like Babar Azam, Shaheen Shah Afridi, and Salman Ali Agha are viewed depends largely on how the media presents them. The wicketkeeper-batter defended Pakistan’s exit by emphasizing cricket’s unpredictability, citing Zimbabwe’s surprise victory over Australia as an example. “Pakistan went out of the event on net run rate, not because of losing outright,” he said. “Even strong teams can suffer unexpected outcomes.#babar_azam #pakistan_cricket_board #mohammad_rizwan #shaheen_shah_afridi #salman_ali_agh
