After Pakistan’s humiliating 3-0 ODI series loss to New Zealand, skipper Mohammad Rizwan called the defeats “past” and shifted focus to the upcoming PSL—sparking outrage among fans.
April 5, 2025: Mohammad Rizwan Faces Backlash After Dismissing Champions Trophy Exit and NZ Whitewash as ‘Past’, Eyes PSL
Mohammad Rizwan, captain of Pakistan’s white-ball team, has stirred a fresh controversy after Pakistan’s crushing 3-0 defeat in the ODI series against New Zealand. Speaking at the post-match presentation in Mount Maunganui, Rizwan acknowledged Pakistan’s shortcomings but swiftly brushed the tour aside, saying the team is now focused on the upcoming Pakistan Super League (PSL).
“After Champions Trophy and this series, we’ll leave the past,” Rizwan said. “PSL is a big tournament for us in Pakistan, hopefully our nation will enjoy. Hopefully, we’ll do well in PSL.”
The remarks did not go down well with fans back home, who lashed out at the skipper for his “sick mindset” and apparent lack of accountability following a forgettable tour. Pakistan managed just one win across five T20Is and three ODIs in New Zealand.
Also Read: New Zealand vs Pakistan, 3rd ODI Highlights: NZ Seal Series 3-0 With Convincing Win!
Fans expressed frustration over Rizwan prioritizing the PSL, especially after such a disappointing international run that exposed major flaws in the team’s top-order batting, bowling under pressure, and adaptability to conditions.
"We will leave the past and look ahead to the PSL. Hopefully the nation will enjoy as we didn't give them the results."
— M (@anngrypakiistan) April 5, 2025
Rizwan the failure captain comparing international cricket to a domestic league. Clownish stuff. pic.twitter.com/JYVxpBJi7G
Despite Babar Azam’s fighting fifties and a few bright sparks like young spinner Sufiyan Muqeem and Naseem Shah’s composed showing with bat and ball, Pakistan failed to capture key moments—something Rizwan admitted in his comments.
"We are going to enjoy PSL, it's a big tournament for us. We couldn't do well in Champions Trophy and in the series here. Hopefully we will do well in PSL."
— Basit Subhani (@BasitSubhani) April 5, 2025
Rizwan's statement sums up all what's wrong with Pakistan Cricket.
Sack such mindset! pic.twitter.com/GYszkstX2s
Mohammad Rizwan’s statement on PSL overshadowing the embarrassing state of Pakistan cricket speaks volumes about the current mindset of our cricket. Enjoy karo bhai. Yahan jo barbaad kar rahey hai un ko koi farak nahi parta.. tu ap, mein apna khoon kyun jalaye? #PakistanCricket
— Syed Ali Imran (@syedaliimran) April 5, 2025
“We need to improve, that’s it,” he said. “Individually we are good, but New Zealand won all the key moments.”
The Kiwis dominated across all matches. Fast bowler Ben Sears made history with back-to-back five-wicket hauls in ODIs, while debutant Rhys Mariu impressed at the top with his composed half-century in the third game. The disciplined performance from Jacob Duffy and an all-round display from skipper Michael Bracewell further highlighted the contrast in form and mindset between the two sides.
As Rizwan and team prepare for the PSL, the heat from fans continues to rise, with many questioning whether the captaincy needs a rethink—especially ahead of the Champions Trophy and other ICC events looming large on the calendar.
Tags:
Mohammad Rizwan, Pakistan vs New Zealand, NZ vs PAK ODI series, PSL 2025, Rizwan post-match comments, Pakistan whitewash, Rizwan fan backlash, Rizwan controversy, Babar Azam, Ben Sears, Rhys Mariu, Pakistan Cricket Team, Champions Trophy 2025