Mohammad Rizwan’s Standoff with PCB: Demands More Authority, Issues Resignation Warning 

In a dramatic development shaking the foundations of Pakistan cricket, ODI captain Mohammad Rizwan has reportedly thrown down the gauntlet to the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), demanding greater authority or threatening to walk away from his leadership role. 

The ultimatum comes hot on the heels of Pakistan’s disastrous white-ball tour of New Zealand, where the team suffered a string of defeats, managing only one win.

A Telecom Asia Report revealed that Rizwan, alongside star batter Babar Azam, is set to confront PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi in the coming days. The duo is said to be livid over the selectors’ decision to axe them from the T20I series against New Zealand, a move intended to blood younger talent under Agha Salman. 

The experiment backfired with Pakistan crumbling to a 1-4 series loss, amplifying Rizwan’s frustration.

"Rizwan is due to meet the PCB chairman as soon as he gets an opportunity to seek clarity on his axing from the T20I side," the sources close to Rizwan said as quoted to the Telecom Asia Sport.

Mohammad Rizwan’s Rift with Aaqib Javed 

Rizwan’s discontent stems partly from his rocky relationship with Aaqib Javed, who has been interim head coach since Jason Gillespie’s exit in December 2024. 

Reports indicate Rizwan clashed with Javed over the playing XI during the first two New Zealand matches, pushing for five regular bowlers, a suggestion Javed overruled. Instead, they went with four main bowlers and two part-timers. 

This did not go down well with Rizwan, as the decision came to bite back at Pakistan. The report mentioned that Rizwan is seeking more power in the selection of the playing 11, or he might resign from Pakistan’s ODI captaincy.

"Rizwan will seek more power in the selection of the playing eleven for the match, and there is a possibility that if not given full power, then he might resign from ODI captaincy," the source added.

PCB is now looking for both foreign and Pakistani coaches to replace Javed.

Rizwan and other Pakistani players are currently busy with the Pakistan Super League 2025 (PSL 2025), which will run from April 11 to May 18. After the conclusion of the PSL, Pakistan will host Bangladesh for three T20Is and as many ODIs in May.

Also read: Pakistan Super League 2025: Schedule, Venues & Where to Watch Live?