Rizwan says he never refused to play one down

LAHORE: Pakistan’s wicketkeeper batter Mohammad Rizwan has denied reports that he refused to move to the one-down position during the T20I series against New Zealand in January.

In response to recent reports suggesting that he refused to move to the one-down position during the T20I series against New Zealand in January, Rizwan asserted his readiness to adapt to any role for the national team, including relinquishing his wicketkeeping duties if necessary.

Addressing the issue in an interview, Rizwan said that he never declined the opportunity to bat at one down. “I never refused to play one down. When I was asked, I said ‘I am absolutely available’,” he said.

“I even said that if I am needed for bowling, I am ready for that too, I can even leave my wicket-keeping,” he added. Highlighting his flexibility as a batsman, Rizwan pointed out his experience batting at different positions throughout his career. “If you look at my career so far, in 26 matches, I have gone to bat at numbers 7, 8, and 9. No batsman has gone in at number 9, I have,” he explained. He opened alongside Saim Ayub during the series against New Zealand, while Babar Azam played at number three, contributing significantly with three consecutive half-centuries.