Pakistan’s ODI team and Multan Sultans captain, Mohammad Rizwan, has said that he doesn’t know English and regrets not completing his education, but he is not ashamed of the fact that he cannot speak English despite being the captain of Pakistan.
Speaking at a press conference in Karachi, Rizwan addressed several topics, including the Pakistan Super League. He stated, “I am proud that whatever I say, I say it from the heart.”
He added, “I can’t speak English. I only regret that I couldn’t pursue higher education, but I am not ashamed that I’m Pakistan’s captain and I can’t speak English.”
The Multan Sultans skipper emphasised that his primary job is to play cricket, not to speak English. “The demand from me is to play cricket, not to speak English.”
He further said, “My Pakistan expects cricket from me, not English. If it needed English, I’d become a professor and come back after learning it.”
Rizwan also commented on the perception of his language skills, saying, “Most of the time, I feel I can speak enough English to explain myself to a foreigner.” He added that he is able to communicate with an English-speaking person -perhaps even “confuse” them a bit – but emphasised, “He won’t have any issue with my English; only those who want to stay upset with me will have a problem.”
The national team captain addressed critics, urging them to be constructive, saying, “Criticise the Pakistan team, but also help improve it. Tell us how to do better.”
He continued, “It’s painful when someone only criticises without offering any solutions. Recently, in the Champions Trophy match, Wasim Akram gave some valuable advice. I wanted to talk more with him, but there wasn’t enough time.”
“If someone criticises and teaches us something, it’s a good thing. But it hurts when people just criticise without explaining. Tomorrow, when we become seniors, if we only criticise, then juniors will also have every right to be upset with us,” he said.
Answering a question, Rizwan said, “Even the most successful people in the world were called crazy at first. Later, everyone follows them. Those who can’t tolerate criticism can never achieve anything.”
He also acknowledged the fans’ emotions and passion.
“It’s fair for fans to be upset. It’s their right because they love us. The Pakistan Super League has given a lot to Pakistan, and now it’s time for everyone to enjoy this league,” Rizwan said.
