As Pakistan prepares for the ODI series against South Africa, captain Mohammad Rizwan has made it clear that the key to his team’s success lies in unity and collective effort.
Ahead of the series, Rizwan emphasized that in Pakistan’s cricket squad, every player is a “captain,” and the focus is always on the team, not the individual. His message was simple yet powerful: “There is no ‘I’ in the team, it is always ‘we’.”
Speaking before the start of the ODI series in Paarl, Rizwan acknowledged the disappointing results of the T20 series but stressed that the team’s focus has now shifted entirely to ODIs, with an eye on the upcoming Champions Trophy. “We learn from past failures but keep them in the past,” he said. “Our momentum in ODIs is strong, and we will work hard to maintain it.”
Rizwan also noted the team’s ongoing strategy of providing opportunities to young players in T20s while focusing on experience and preparation for bigger challenges in ODIs. He reiterated the importance of teamwork, stating that every player, regardless of age or experience, is equally committed to the team’s success.
“In the Pakistan team, there is no hierarchy; we are all captains,” Rizwan said, stressing the importance of collaboration. “Our goal is always to win as a team. Whether senior or junior, we are united, and every player’s focus is on contributing to the victory.”
With the ODI series against South Africa starting tomorrow, Rizwan also acknowledged the challenges of playing abroad, with South Africa coming off a win. However, he remains confident, citing the team’s recent triumphs in Australia and Zimbabwe. “This will be a competitive series, and we are ready for the challenge.”
The third and final T20 match between Pakistan and South Africa was washed out due to rain, giving South Africa a 2-0 series win. However, the focus is now on the ODIs, with both teams ready for an exciting contest.