Former Australian cricketer Brad Hogg has stirred controversy after a video of him mimicking Pakistan’s wicketkeeper-batsman Mohammad Rizwan’s English-speaking style went viral on social media.
The clip, widely shared online, shows Hogg engaging in a mock interview with a content creator impersonating Rizwan. Throughout the exchange, Hogg mimics Rizwan’s distinctive speech patterns while discussing various cricketing topics.
At one point, Hogg asks, "What do you think about Virat Kohli?" to which the impersonator humorously responds, "I and Virat are alike. He drinks water, I drink water. He eats food, I eat food. We are both the same; there is no difference."
The video also references some of Rizwan’s well-known phrases, including "Ya win hai, learn," a motto he often uses to reflect Pakistan’s approach to victories and defeats.
Toward the end of the clip, Hogg jokingly praises Rizwan’s English, prompting the impersonator to reply, "Yes, everyone in Pakistan says my English is very good."
While some fans found the imitation lighthearted and entertaining, others criticized it as disrespectful, arguing that it mocked Rizwan rather than celebrating his unique communication style.
𝗗𝗶𝘀𝗴𝘂𝘀𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗼 𝘀𝗮𝘆 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗹𝗲𝗮𝘀𝘁:
— Dr Ahmad Rehan Khan (@AhmadRehanKhan) March 18, 2025
It's absurd for an ex-Australian cricketer to participate in a video mocking the Pakistani captain's English, considering his native language is Pashto. @Brad_Hogg#MohammadRizwan #PakistanCricket pic.twitter.com/7d6UQJu3Or
@Brad_Hogg This is disgraceful for mocking someone just because for a language that is not his first or even second language. Can u speak even a line of Urdu? Shame on you
— Azeem Asghar🇵🇰 (@azeeeeeeemmmm) March 18, 2025
The controversy has reignited discussions about cultural sensitivity and the balance between humor and offense in sports banter. Many took to X (formerly Twitter) to criticise Hogg's mocking video.
Think the whole Australian community should now must be ashamed of Brad Hogg. What a disgrace! https://t.co/MhGFCcirLl
— PSL Memes (@PSLMemesWalay) March 17, 2025
Brad Hogg - mental health advocate and is a lifeline Ambassador.
— Adam Bell 🇳🇿🇮🇹 (@AdamKerrBell) March 17, 2025
Who has also talked about depression and suicide. https://t.co/LdNrqwm1gp
Rizwan, known for his humility and composed nature, has often faced scrutiny over his interview style but has consistently earned praise for his sincerity and commitment to the game.
Social media users criticised the view the mocking nature of Hogg praising 'Rizwan's' (the imitator) english, with many blasting the ex-Australian spinner's colonial views regarding communication in english.
This is pure racism. Rizwan can probably speak more languages than Brad.
— Haris Khan (@HarisKhan125150) March 18, 2025
Yikes, this is terrible. Brad Hogg should not doing that.
— Mayank (@freehit_mj) March 17, 2025
Players are at that level for their cricketing skills, not their ability to communicate in English. https://t.co/OL3drYGNBd
Let’s hear how good your Urdu is you clown. @Brad_Hogg
— Raz Khan (@razkhan789) March 17, 2025
Do better you pathetic human being, speaking English doesn’t make you any more successful.
Mohammad Rizwan cricking legacy is 100x bigger than yours. https://t.co/FsmoA5xo9p
Amid this debate, Pakistan’s cricket struggles in 2025 have added to the discussion. Under Rizwan’s leadership, Pakistan suffered a series of setbacks, including a loss to New Zealand in the final of a home tri-nation ODI series.
Their campaign in the Champions Trophy also ended in disappointment, with early exits following defeats to New Zealand and India.
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