Iftikhar Ahmed, a batting all-rounder for Pakistan, has endorsed Mohammad Rizwan to become the captaincy of the national team, but he has made it clear that his support is based on performance rather than personal connections. In the Pakistan Super League (PSL), the two cricket players presently play together for the Multan Sultans.
“In my opinion, Rizwan is the greatest choice if you compare everything. It’s not because we play for the Multan Sultans, the same team, or because he is a friend of mine. Rizwan is the greatest option if you weigh our possibilities, and he has room to grow,” Iftikhar stated in an interview.
His remarks coincide with growing criticism of Rizwan’s leadership, especially in light of Pakistan’s dismal showings in the 2025 Champions Trophy and the current trip of New Zealand. Salman Ali Agha is currently leading the T20I team, which has sparked additional talks about a possible change in the ODI captaincy as well.
Iftikhar Ahmed opinion is reinforced by the wicketkeeper’s performance history in franchise cricket.
Over the last four PSL seasons, the right-handed batter has captained the Multan Sultans, guiding them to four straight finals and winning the championship in 2021. He is a strong contender for the position of national leader due to his consistency at the franchise level.
But the Sultans have lost both of their initial games in the current PSL, giving them a sluggish start. The top-order batsman has performed admirably on his own, amassing 143 runs in two games, including a century in the opening encounter against Karachi Kings, despite the team’s difficulties.
Even if he is still in outstanding batting form, his captaincy is in doubt. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has not yet made a choice because of the emergence of several contenders. However, Iftikhar’s backing strengthens Rizwan’s argument and may have an impact on the board’s future plans for senior positions.
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