Mohammad Rizwan:

In the world of cricket, there are players who shine briefly, and then there are those like Mohammad Rizwan, who seem to be destined for greatness. Born on June 1, 1992, in Peshawar, Rizwan’s journey from playing with a tape ball in the streets to becoming one of Pakistan’s most prolific cricketers is nothing short of extraordinary.

Early Beginnings:

Rizwan hails from a Pashtun family of six siblings, and he was the second of three brothers. His introduction to the world of cricket began with tape ball matches, a common starting point for many future cricket stars in Pakistan. He quickly progressed through the ranks, joining clubs like the Islamia College and later the Shama Club, before making his way into the Peshawar Under-19 team in 2007.

Rizwan’s Domestic Stardom:

Rizwan’s rise continued as he made his first-class debut with Peshawar during the 2008-09 season. In his early games, he showcased his talent by scoring five fifties, four of which were unbeaten. His performances with both bat and gloves caught the attention of Basit Ali, the coach of Sui Northern Gas Pipelines Limited, who included him in the team for the 2011-12 season.

His crowning moment in domestic cricket came during the 2014-15 Quaid-e-Azam Trophy final, where Rizwan scored a magnificent 224, helping Sui Northern to a massive first-innings lead and their second title. These performances earned him a spot in Pakistan A, where he excelled in limited-overs matches against Kenya in December 2014.

Over the years, Rizwan continued to impress in domestic cricket, securing his place in various squads and even captaining teams like Federal Areas and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. His exceptional skills with both the bat and the gloves made him a standout player, and his consistency was well-recognized.

A PSL Journey:

In 2016, Rizwan embarked on his Pakistan Super League (PSL) journey with the Lahore Qalandars. While his individual performance was promising, the team struggled, and Rizwan’s potential was not fully realized during this period.

His fortunes changed when he joined the Karachi Kings from 2018 to 2020, but he still faced challenges in establishing himself as a regular in the team’s top order. However, the turning point in his PSL career came in 2021 when he took on the role of captain for the Multan Sultans.

Under Rizwan’s leadership, the Sultans achieved remarkable success, clinching victory in his first season as captain and finishing as runners-up in the subsequent two tournaments. Individually, Rizwan reached his peak with the Sultans, amassing an impressive 1596 runs from 2021 to 2023 and earning the coveted Hanif Mohammad Cap for being the highest run-scorer in PSL 8. In a thrilling match against Karachi Kings in PSL 8, he scored his second T20 century and his first PSL century, further solidifying his status as one of Pakistan’s cricketing legends.

International Stardom:

Rizwan’s journey from domestic stardom to international prominence has been marked by impressive performances across all formats of the game. He made his debut in One Day Internationals (ODIs) and Twenty20 Internationals for Pakistan in 2015, with an instant impact, scoring 67 runs in his debut ODI.

His Test debut came in 2016, and despite a challenging start with a golden duck in his maiden Test innings, he persevered and continued to develop his skills. In March 2019, he scored his first century in an ODI match against Australia, showcasing his growth as a cricketer.

Rizwan’s Test career blossomed when he played a pivotal role during Pakistan’s tour to England in 2020. With excellent performances with both the bat and gloves, he emerged as the first-choice wicketkeeper in Test matches, surpassing former captain Sarfaraz Ahmed.

In December 2020, Rizwan was handed the captaincy of Pakistan’s Test side, replacing the injured Babar Azam. His leadership skills and performances with the bat continued to shine, making him a vital part of the Pakistan cricket team.

A Century in Every Format:

What truly sets Mohammad Rizwan apart is his remarkable feat of scoring centuries in all three international formats: Tests, ODIs, and T20Is. His centuries in the T20I format, which includes a dazzling unbeaten 110 against Karachi Kings in PSL 8, solidified his status as a cricketing legend.

Rizwan’s consistency is underscored by his incredible achievement as the first batter to score 2000 runs in a calendar year in T20s, a testament to his unwavering dedication and passion for the game.

A Record Partnership and the World Cup Heroics:

In September 2022, Rizwan, along with Babar Azam, set a record T20 cricket partnership of 203 runs without being dismissed, showcasing their incredible synergy and talent as opening partners.

And in October 2023, Rizwan added another feather to his cap by scoring an unbeaten century against Sri Lanka while chasing a mammoth total of 345 in the 2023 Cricket World Cup, solidifying his reputation as a match-winner on the biggest stage.

Mohammad Rizwan’s journey from the streets of Peshawar to the international cricket arenas is a tale of dedication, perseverance, and unwavering passion for the sport. His incredible achievements, including being the leading run-scorer in T20 Internationals and the first to score centuries in all formats for Pakistan, make him a cricketing sensation and a source of pride for the nation.

As Rizwan continues to break records and lead his team to victory, it’s safe to say that we are witnessing the rise of a cricketing legend, a modern-day icon, and a shining star in the world of cricket. Mohammad Rizwan is not just a name; he’s an inspiration, a symbol of what hard work and determination can achieve. Pakistan’s cricketing prodigy has well and truly arrived, and the world is watching in awe.