Mohammad Rizwan’s golden run in the PSL appears over as his franchise slumps to 16 defeats in 17 games, raising serious questions about his leadership and T20 relevance.
By Imran Malik | April 18, 2026
KARACHI: The decline of Mohammad Rizwan as a franchise leader in the Pakistan Super League is no longer a concern — it is now a reality.
Once the face of consistency and success, Rizwan’s team — now rebranded as Rawalpindiz — has spiraled into one of the worst runs in PSL history, losing 16 of their last 17 matches. The ongoing season has been particularly brutal, with six defeats in six games, putting them on track for a winless campaign.
From dominance to decline
Rizwan’s legacy with the former Multan Sultans remains significant. He led the franchise to four consecutive PSL finals and lifted the title in 2021, establishing himself as one of the league’s most successful captains.
But the downfall began in 2025, when the Sultans endured one of their worst seasons. That slump has now extended into the current campaign, exposing deeper structural and tactical flaws.
T20 game moving ahead
Modern T20 cricket demands aggressive intent, especially in the powerplay — an area where Rizwan’s approach has come under scrutiny.
This season, his strike rate and overall output have dipped sharply. He is among the lowest-performing top-order batters, struggling to keep pace with the evolving demands of the format.
His opening partnerships have also failed to deliver, with the top order consistently collapsing and putting pressure on an already fragile middle order.
Team issues compound crisis
Rawalpindiz’s problems extend beyond leadership.
Injuries to key pacers, including Naseem Shah, and inconsistent performances from senior players have weakened the squad. A poor auction strategy and a lack of T20-specialist openers have further exposed the team’s limitations.
Despite occasional sparks from players like Sam Billings, the overall unit has failed to click.
A legacy at crossroads
Rizwan once famously said, “You either win or you learn.”
But with victories drying up, the lessons are becoming harder — and more urgent.
For Rawalpindiz, and for Rizwan himself, this may be more than just a bad season. It could mark the end of an era.
The bigger question now:
Can Rizwan reinvent himself for modern T20 cricket — or has the game already moved on?
