𝐑𝐢𝐳𝐰𝐚𝐧 𝐒𝐡𝐫𝐮𝐠𝐬 𝐎𝐟𝐟 𝐄𝐧𝐠𝐥𝐢𝐬𝐡 𝐂𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐜𝐢𝐬𝐦, 𝐔𝐫𝐠𝐞𝐬 𝐅𝐨𝐜𝐮𝐬 𝐨𝐧 𝐂𝐫𝐢𝐜𝐤𝐞𝐭 𝐎𝐯𝐞𝐫 𝐋𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐮𝐚𝐠𝐞

Srinagar, April 12: Pakistan’s white-ball captain Mohammad Rizwan responded candidly to ongoing criticism about his English-speaking skills, stating that he isn’t ashamed of his limitations with the language. Instead, he emphasized that his primary responsibility is to play cricket, not to speak English.

Rizwan, who has been mocked online through viral videos and social media posts, addressed the trolling during a press conference. “I regret not completing my education, which is why I don’t know English, but I am not ashamed that as Pakistan’s captain, I cannot speak English,” he said, as quoted by Geo News.

He added, “Pakistan expects me to play cricket, not speak English. If they wanted English, I would’ve become a professor and learned it.”

Rizwan also turned attention to the team’s recent struggles on the field, especially following a disappointing performance in the Champions Trophy, where Pakistan was eliminated in the group stage after losses to India and New Zealand.

Subsequent tours, including a 4-1 T20I defeat and a 3-0 ODI whitewash against New Zealand, intensified criticism. Despite these setbacks, Rizwan and star batter Babar Azam returned to the squad with hopes of improving results.

Amidst the backlash from fans and former players, Rizwan urged critics to also provide constructive advice. “It’s okay to criticise, but also tell us how we can improve. Wasim Akram recently gave us useful suggestions during the Champions Trophy, and I wanted to speak with him more but didn’t get the chance,” he said.

He acknowledged fans’ frustration, noting that their anger stems from love for the team. Rizwan concluded by highlighting the positive role of the Pakistan Super League (PSL), saying it has greatly benefited the country and should be enjoyed.