Mohammad Rizwan best current option for captaincy, says Iftikhar Ahmed

Iftikhar Ahmed has voiced support for Mohammad Rizwan to continue as Pakistan’s ODI captain, calling the wicketkeeper-batter the best available option despite mounting criticism and leadership uncertainty in the national team.

In a recent interview, Iftikhar stated that Rizwan’s credentials speak for themselves, insisting the decision is based on performance, not friendship.

“For me, if you compare everywhere, I think Rizwan is the best option. It’s not because he is my friend or that we play for the same club, Multan Sultans. If you assess our options, Rizwan is the best choice and he can improve,” Iftikhar said.

The statement comes amid growing scrutiny of Rizwan’s leadership. Under his captaincy, Pakistan have suffered major defeats, including during the ICC Champions Trophy and the recent tour of New Zealand.

The T20 side is currently under Salman Ali Agha’s leadership, further fuelling speculation about a potential change in ODI captaincy.

Rizwan, who also leads Multan Sultans in the Pakistan Super League, has enjoyed considerable success in the domestic T20 circuit. Under his guidance, Multan reached four consecutive PSL finals, winning the title in 2021.

Supporters argue that his consistency at the franchise level reflects leadership qualities worth retaining.

However, Multan Sultans have not had the best start to HBL PSL 10, losing both of their opening games. Rizwan's individual batting performances, however, have received praise.

Despite a strong personal record as a batter, Rizwan’s international captaincy has not yielded notable results, prompting critics to call for fresh leadership. However, Iftikhar’s endorsement suggests confidence remains within the dressing room.

The Pakistan Cricket Board has yet to make a formal decision regarding Rizwan’s future as ODI captain, but with multiple contenders emerging, the leadership question remains open.