Rizwan's player room policy stirs debate ahead of PAK-BAN fixture
What's the story
Ahead of Pakistan's Champions Trophy match against Bangladesh, a video of cricketer Imam-ul-Haq has gone viral. The clip, from a December 2024 interview on The Ultra Edge Podcast by Cricwick, features Imam discussing leadership within the team. When asked to pick a 'leader', he chose Mohammad Rizwan, citing his emphasis on religious practices rather than cricketing reasons. Meanwhile, the statement has resurfaced amid Pakistan's early exit from the tournament and has been making rounds on social media. Here's more.
Leadership style
Rizwan's religious practices as captain
Imam further revealed that Rizwan keeps non-Muslims out of their prayer rooms and arranges white sheets for Namaz. He added that the skipper sets up prayer rooms and creates WhatsApp groups for prayer timings. This has sparked an online debate about religion's role in cricket. A social media user shared the clip on X, on February 26, contrasting Rizwan's leadership with captains who focus on strategy and discipline. The post has since gone viral, amassing 6.5 lakh views (2,000 retweets).
Online debate
Social media users question priorities of Pakistani cricketers
The viral post has reignited the debate if Pakistani cricketers are putting religious preaching ahead of their own growth. Some social media users even connected this issue to past incidents in Pakistan cricket, like the alleged discrimination meted out to Danish Kaneria, a Hindu cricketer. One user even commented on Pakistan's early exit from the Champions Trophy saying, "Misplaced Priorities. Professional responsibilities can wait." As mentioned, Pakistan suffered an early exit from the Champions Trophy after two consecutive defeats.
PAK-NZ recap
New Zealand tame Pakistan in ICC Champions Trophy opener
Notably, New Zealand had beaten defending champions Pakistan in match number 1 of the Champions Trophy in Karachi. Glenn Phillips scored a whirlwind knock as New Zealand posted 320/5 in 50 overs. In response, Babar Azam and Khushdil Shah's fifties weren't enough as Pakistan (260/10) suffered a big defeat. Pakistan were hammered by India in their second game in Dubai and were knocked out of the semi-final race subsequently.
Twitter Post
X video of Imam-ul-Haq's interview
Other Captains: Make strategy, enforce discipline, decide practice timings, make sure everyone is focused on next game.
— Incognito (@Incognito_qfs) February 26, 2025
Pakistan Captain Maulana Mohammad Rizwan:
- Find a room for Namaz in hotel.
- BAN NON MUSLIMS FROM ENTERING THE ROOM.
- Spread white sheets in room for… pic.twitter.com/3IjlCKkRuz