Ahmed Shehzad, currently out of favour in the Pakistan cricket team, has sharply criticised wicketkeeper-batter Mohammad Rizwan for allegedly using religion to justify his poor performance in the recent T20 World Cup. During a press conference in his hometown Peshawar, Rizwan reflected on both Pakistan’s and his own performances in the tournament, where he scored 110 runs at an average of 36.66 and a strike rate of 90.90.
Rizwan acknowledged the criticism directed at the team but made a contentious remark by calling himself the "brand ambassador of Islam." He stated that a person, especially a Muslim, represents both Islam and Pakistan wherever they go.
Shehzad accused Rizwan of diverting attention from his performance issues by playing the "religion card." He expressed disappointment that some players were using unnecessary press conferences and religious justifications to hide their poor World Cup performance. Shehzad questioned where their religious principles were when they allegedly lied about their fitness and actions on the field. He emphasised that players are paid to perform and should not engage in team politics. According to Shehzad, religion teaches fulfilling responsibilities with determination and honesty, not deceit.
Shehzad reiterated that the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) should take stringent actions against such players. He reminded fans that they would hold PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi accountable for the promised major changes in the team. Shehzad noted that some players were mocking the chairman's statements, showing a lack of care. He vowed that they would not back down until the Pakistan team was back on track.
This criticism follows Shehzad’s earlier call for the board to sack all senior players in the team.