Mohammad Rizwan: Navigating the Currents of 2025 Cricket :

Mohammad Rizwan, a name synonymous with resilience and unwavering determination in Pakistani cricket, has once again been at the heart of the sport's discourse throughout 2025. From leading his franchise with distinction to facing significant changes in his national team leadership roles, the year has been a testament to his multifaceted career.

His journey through the cricketing calendar has seen him experience both individual highs and collective challenges, keeping fans and analysts alike captivated. This deep dive explores the latest chapters in Rizwan's illustrious career, examining his performances, leadership shifts, and the path that lies ahead for this remarkable wicket-keeper batsman.

A Year of Shifting Sands: Rizwan's Captaincy in 2025 :

The year 2025 brought significant shifts in Mohammad Rizwan's leadership responsibilities within the national team. In a notable development on October 20, 2025, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) announced that Shaheen Shah Afridi would replace Rizwan as the captain of the One Day International (ODI) squad.

This decision came in the wake of Pakistan's disappointing performance in the Champions Trophy 2025, where the team failed to advance past the group stage, coupled with Rizwan's inconsistent batting form in the 50-over format. Earlier in March 2025, Rizwan had also relinquished his T20 International (T20I) captaincy, with Salman Ali Agha stepping into that role.

While Rizwan's initial tenure as white-ball captain, beginning in October 2024, saw some immediate success, including series victories against Australia and South Africa, the struggles in early 2025 ultimately led to these leadership changes. His leadership record in ODIs concluded with nine wins and eleven defeats in 20 matches, reflecting a 45% winning percentage.

PSL 2025: A Batting Masterclass Amidst Scrutiny :

Despite the changes in his international captaincy, Mohammad Rizwan showcased his batting prowess prominently in the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 2025. He lit up the tournament by scoring the first century of the season, an impressive 105 not out off 63 deliveries, playing for Multan Sultans against Karachi Kings.

Rizwan finished as the leading run-scorer in PSL 2025, accumulating 367 runs in 10 innings at a commendable average of 52.43. However, this particular century also sparked debate, with some critics labeling it 'slow' due to the team's eventual loss despite his significant contribution.

Beyond his batting, Rizwan made a strategic decision in PSL 2025 to step away from wicket-keeping. He publicly stated that this choice was motivated by a desire to enhance communication with his teammates on the field, allowing him to move more freely and boost team morale in high-pressure situations.

ODI Performances: Navigating Individual Brilliance and Team Challenges :

Mohammad Rizwan's performance in One Day Internationals in 2025 painted a picture of mixed fortunes. Across 11 ODI matches, he managed to score 361 runs, which included one century and a highest score of 122.

His individual batting average in ODIs for the year stood at approximately 36.10, with a strike rate of 71. While these statistics highlight moments of brilliance, they also indicate a period of inconsistency that, as noted by critics and the PCB, contributed to the re-evaluation of his captaincy.

Key matches included his participation in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, where he made contributions like 46 runs against India and 122 against South Africa in a tri-series, but Pakistan's overall team performance in crucial tournaments proved challenging.

Beyond Pakistan: Rizwan's Global T20 Engagements :

Mohammad Rizwan's cricketing endeavors in 2025 extended beyond national duties and the Pakistan Super League. He was an active participant in the Caribbean Premier League (CPL) 2025, representing the St Kitts and Nevis Patriots.

During his stint in the CPL, Rizwan delivered several impactful performances, including two notable innings against Saint Lucia and Guyana, further showcasing his adaptability to different T20 leagues and conditions. These international league appearances underscore his continued demand as a top-tier T20 player globally, allowing him to refine his skills and experience diverse cricketing environments.

His involvement in such leagues is crucial for maintaining match fitness and form, especially as he navigates a period of re-defining his role within the Pakistan national setup.

The Road Ahead: T20 World Cup 2026 and Strategic Resurgence :

With the ICC T20 World Cup 2026 on the horizon, Mohammad Rizwan's future in Pakistan's T20I squad remains a significant point of discussion. Reports suggest that Pakistan's head coach, Mike Hesson, is keen on integrating both Rizwan and Babar Azam back into the T20 setup.

The focus for these senior players is to evolve their T20 game, particularly by enhancing their aggression and strike rates, which Hesson believes are crucial for the team's success in upcoming major tournaments. While there were initial reports of their exclusion from some T20I series to blood younger talent, it appears they are part of a provisional 25-member squad for the World Cup preparations.

This indicates a strategic move by the PCB to leverage their experience while pushing them to adapt to the modern, aggressive T20 batting approach. Rizwan's dedication to improving his game, as evidenced by his performances and strategic decisions in leagues, suggests he is ready to embrace these challenges for national duty.

The Enduring Impact: Rizwan's Legacy and Future Role :

Mohammad Rizwan's journey through 2025 highlights not just his individual performances but also his unwavering commitment to Pakistani cricket. Despite the setbacks in captaincy, his batting remains a formidable force, particularly in the T20 format where he has previously held records for most runs in a calendar year.

His ability to adapt, his dedication to team dynamics, and his continuous pursuit of excellence solidify his position as a vital asset for Pakistan. As the team looks towards the 2026 T20 World Cup and beyond, Rizwan's experience, work ethic, and ability to perform under pressure will undoubtedly play a crucial role.

Whether as a top-order batsman, a wicket-keeper, or a senior guiding presence, Mohammad Rizwan's enduring impact on Pakistan cricket is undeniable, and fans eagerly anticipate his continued contributions to the sport.