'Won't bring sudden changes'

Rizwan says the T20 openers will be decided after assessing situation

Pakistan's white-ball cricket team captain, Mohammad Rizwan, has emphasised that his leadership will not bring about immediate changes within the team.

Speaking to the media before departing for Australia, Rizwan acknowledged the positive impact of Aaqib Javed's decisions on the team and reiterated the potential for success by creating spin-friendly pitches for home series.

Rizwan stated, "Aaqib Javed's decisions have proven beneficial for the team. It has been said before that we can achieve success by making spin-friendly pitches for our home series."

Addressing the challenges of playing in Australia, Rizwan noted, "The pitches in Australia are not under Aaqib Javed's control. The conditions there are different and tough. We have worked hard, and I hope for good results."

Rizwan also commented on Fakhar Zaman's influence on the game, saying, "Fakhar Zaman is a player who can impact the game significantly. However, the decisions regarding the team are not in our hands. He has the ability to turn a match on his own."

Regarding coaching changes, he stated, "Whoever comes as a coach, the decisions are up to the board and management. If my opinion is sought, I will certainly provide it. There will not be a sudden transformation with my captaincy."

Rizwan added that things were already progressing positively before his captaincy, indicating that not everything would change overnight.

He emphasized that he had never sought captaincy and accepted it as a responsibility bestowed upon him by Allah. "Even when I was not captain, my opinions held weight. I used to provide input during Sarfaraz Ahmed's captaincy."

He expressed his desire for every player in the team to take on leadership roles, stating, "I want to ensure that when I leave, there are multiple leaders within the team."

Rizwan also mentioned that the team would assess the situation to decide on opening batting positions in T20 matches, as they aim to create the best combination for the upcoming Champions Trophy.

Reflecting on their experience in India, Rizwan noted, "When we went to India, we received a lot of love, and everyone witnessed that. The public will warmly welcome the Indian team in Pakistan as well. Whether the Indian team participates in the Champions Trophy in Pakistan is something the board knows better."

Fakhar Zaman snub

Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi has emphasized that the national selection committee has full control over squad decisions, without any interference from him.

Speaking to media in Karachi, Naqvi, who also serves as Pakistan's interior minister, affirmed his trust in the committee's independent role.

"The selection committee will decide who will be included or omitted from the team. I have never requested any player to be included or excluded, the committee is fully empowered, and I have complete confidence in it," Naqvi said, responding to questions about Fakhar Zaman's future with the squad.

Zaman, who was recently left out of Pakistan's tours to Australia and Zimbabwe and was not given a central contract, has faced uncertainty regarding his role in the upcoming tour to South Africa. His recent tweet in support of former captain Babar Azam sparked speculation, with Naqvi previously stating that both Zaman's fitness and the tweet were considered in the committee's decision.

Naqvi also shared updates on Pakistan's preparation for the ICC Champions Trophy, which Pakistan is set to host.

"InshaAllah, Pakistan will host the full Champions Trophy, and all teams will participate here," he expressed confidently. While he avoided commenting on reports that Pakistan might offer India a return option to Chandigarh or Delhi after each match, he remained optimistic about a full-scale event.

In terms of stadium renovations, Naqvi confirmed that work at Karachi's National Stadium should finish by December 15, with an extra two to three weeks for final adjustments. Additionally, plans are underway to install floodlights at the Oval Cricket Ground adjacent to the stadium.

Addressing recent coaching changes, Naqvi stated that former white-ball coach Gary Kirsten had resigned without any contract breaches from PCB's side. He mentioned Jason Gillespie's current role as the interim white-ball coach and noted that discussions are ongoing for a new head coach.

Lastly, Naqvi hinted at upcoming administrative changes within the PCB, including filling several vacant director positions and some restructuring to strengthen operations.