Pakistan’s T20 World Cup flop continues to generate controversy, with former opener Ahmed Shehzad launching a scathing attack on Mohammad Rizwan. The wicket-keeper batter’s comments about representing Islam while playing cricket sparked outrage from Shehzad, who accuses him and others of deflecting blame.
Pakistan’s first-round exit at the T20 World Cup sent shockwaves through the cricketing world. Babar Azam’s captaincy and the team’s overall performance faced harsh criticism from fans and pundits alike. Rizwan, acknowledging the disappointment, made a statement that rubbed Shehzad the wrong way.
Rizwan spoke about the importance of Islam to him and Pakistani players, saying they are “brand ambassadors of Islam wherever they go.” Shehzad took to social media, accusing Rizwan and some unnamed players of using religion as a “card” to hide their failures.
“They lie about their fitness and then religion takes a back seat,” Shehzad wrote. “Religion doesn’t teach you to fake injuries… They should be punished.”
Shehzad went a step further, urging the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) to take decisive action. He called for a “big surgery” to the national team, suggesting some players don’t deserve another chance.
Shehzad’s comments raise critical questions about accountability within the Pakistan team. With the next World Cup just around the corner, the pressure is on for the PCB to find answers and implement changes to ensure Pakistan doesn’t suffer another humiliating exit.