Table of Contents
Introduction:
Mohammad Rizwan, often dubbed the “Pakistani Jonty Rhodes,” has etched his name in cricketing history as a formidable cricketer and a reliable wicket-keeper. Born on June 1, 1992, in Peshawar, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan, Rizwan’s journey from the domestic circuit to becoming a stalwart in international cricket is nothing short of remarkable.
| Full Name | Mohammad Rizwan |
| Date of Birth | June 1, 1992 |
| Place of Birth | Peshawar, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan |
| Nationality | Pakistani |
| Role | Wicketkeeper-Batsman |
| Batting Style | Right-Handed |
| Bowling Style | Right-Arm Medium |
| Height | 5’8” |
Teams Played For:
- Pakistan National Team
- Lahore Qalandars (PSL)
- Sylhet Sixers (BPL)
- Karachi Kings (PSL)
- Multan Sultans (PSL)
- Peshawar Panthers
- Sui Northern Gas Pipelines Limited
Debut:
Debut (Test): November 2016 vs. New Zealand
Debut (ODI): April 2015 vs. Bangladesh
Debut (T20I): November 2016 vs. West Indies
Captaincy Roles:
- Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (2019/20 Quaid-e-Azam Trophy)
- Multan Sultans (PSL 2021)
Notable Achievements:
- ICC T20I Player of the Year (2021)
- ICC ODI Player of the Year (2022)
- Wisden Cricketers of the Year (2021)
Early Life and Career Beginnings:
Mohammad Rizwan was born on June 1, 1992, in Peshawar, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. Growing up, he displayed a keen interest in cricket from a very young age and honed his skills in the streets of Peshawar. Rizwan’s early education was in Peshawar, where he balanced his academic responsibilities with his burgeoning cricket career.
Rizwan’s cricketing journey took off when he debuted for Khyber Pakhtunkhwa in 2013. His breakthrough came in 2015, representing Pakistan in the ODI series against Sri Lanka. His impressive half-century on debut set the stage for a prolific international career.
Youth and Domestic Career:
Before breaking into the international scene, Rizwan made significant contributions to domestic cricket. He played a pivotal role for the Peshawar Panthers from 2008 to 2015, showcasing his potential as a wicketkeeper-batsman. His standout performance came during the final of the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy in 2014-15, where he scored an impressive 224 runs, helping secure the title for Sui Northern Gas Pipelines Limited.
Struggles and Comeback:
Rizwan’s journey also included periods of struggle, notably losing his place in the 2016 T20 World Cup squad. However, his determination and hard work paid off when he made a strong comeback in November 2016, debuting in Test cricket against New Zealand. Despite facing challenges, he continued to impress in the domestic circuit, leading to his selection for various teams, including Lahore Qalandars, Sylhet Sixers, and Karachi Kings in the Pakistan Super League (PSL).
Leadership Roles:
In recognition of his leadership qualities and consistent performances, Rizwan took on captaincy roles for Khyber Pakhtunkhwa in the 2019/20 Quaid-e-Azam Trophy and Multan Sultans in the 2021 PSL season. Under his captaincy, Multan Sultans clinched their maiden PSL title, marking a significant achievement in Rizwan’s captaincy career.
International Accolades:
Rizwan’s impact on the international stage is highlighted by several accolades, including being named one of Wisden’s cricketers of the year in 2021. His exceptional performances earned him the ICC T20I Player of the Year in 2021 and the ICC ODI Player of the Year in 2022, solidifying his status as one of Pakistan’s cricketing gems.
Off the Field:
Beyond the cricket field, Mohammad Rizwan made headlines in May 2023 when he, along with teammate Babar Azam, became the first cricketer to enrol in the prestigious executive education programme at Harvard Business School. This move reflects Rizwan’s commitment to personal and intellectual growth beyond the boundaries of the cricket pitch.
Away from the cricketing arena, Rizwan has also been actively involved in philanthropy and community engagement. His efforts include supporting various charitable initiatives and using his platform to raise awareness about social issues.
Beyond the cricket field, Rizwan, alongside Babar Azam, made history by enrolling in Harvard Business School’s executive education program in May 2023, representing Pakistan globally.
Global Recognition:
Rizwan’s impact is not confined to Pakistan; his performances and sportsmanship have garnered global recognition. Instances like the heartwarming exchange with Virat Kohli after the historic Pakistan-India match in the ICC T20 World Cup 2021 exemplify the camaraderie and mutual respect shared among international cricketers.
Mohammad Rizwan’s journey is a testament to resilience, hard work, and a passion for the sport. As he continues to evolve as a cricketer and leader, his story inspires aspiring players and cricket enthusiasts worldwide.
International Debut and Early Challenges:
Making his ODI debut against Sri Lanka in 2015, Rizwan showcased his mettle with a half-century. However, challenges soon followed as he grappled with inconsistent performances against formidable opponents like England and New Zealand, leading to his exclusion from the 2016 T20 World Cup squad.
Undeterred, Rizwan continued to make waves in domestic cricket, earning captaincy roles for teams like Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. His leadership skills were on full display in the 2019-20 National T20 Cup, where he excelled both with the bat and as a captain.
International Resurgence and Records:
Rizwan’s renaissance came in 2019, as he notched up centuries against Australia, solidifying his place in the team. He went on to become the first Pakistani wicketkeeper-batsman to score centuries in all three international formats, a feat only achieved by Brendon McCullum previously.
T20 World Cup Triumphs and Records:
The T20 World Cup in 2021 saw Rizwan’s heroics, including a historic partnership with Babar Azam against India and a maiden T20 century against South Africa. His consistent performances earned him the ICC T20I Player of the Year award.
Test Cricket Excellence:
In Test cricket, Rizwan emerged as a reliable batsman, notably scoring crucial runs against Australia and England. His resilience, highlighted by an innings in the 2021 T20 World Cup semi-final after battling a severe chest infection, earned widespread admiration.
Conclusion:
Mohammad Rizwan’s journey is a testament to his unwavering dedication and adaptability. From facing early challenges to becoming a lynchpin in Pakistan’s cricketing lineup, Rizwan’s story is one of triumph and resilience. As he continues to don the gloves and wield the bat, cricket enthusiasts eagerly await the next chapter in the extraordinary tale of Mohammad Rizwan.
Social Media Accounts:
| Instagram: | Mohammad Rizwan |
| Twitter: | Mohammad Rizwan |
FAQ’s:
Q. Who is Mohammad Rizwan?
A. Mohammad Rizwan is a Pakistani cricketer who plays as a wicket-keeper batsman. He was born on June 1, 1992, in Peshawar, Pakistan.
Q. What is Mohammad Rizwan’s marital status?
A. Mohammad Rizwan is married to Uzma Khan.
Q. What is Mohammad Rizwan’s net worth?
A. Mohammad Rizwan’s net worth is estimated to be around $5 million.
