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KARACHI: Pakistan Super League (PSL) franchise Multan Sultans captain Mohammad Rizwan addressed the criticism of his English skills on Friday, stating that he is not ashamed of speaking English.
Rizwan has been the target of social media trolling regarding his English speaking abilities since Pakistan’s disappointing performance at the ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025 and the subsequent white-ball tour of New Zealand.
He was also ridiculed by former Australian cricketer Brad Hogg in a viral video, where Hogg interacted with an impersonator resembling Rizwan.
In a press conference ahead of the PSL 10 opener against Karachi Kings, Mohammad Rizwan was questioned about the social media trolling focused on his English skills.
“I don’t care [about social media trolling]. I am proud of one thing and that is whatever I say, I say from my heart. And by the grace of Almighty Allah, I don’t know English.”
“The only regret is that I did not get enough education but I am not even one per cent ashamed that I can’t speak English despite being the captain of the Pakistan cricket team,” Rizwan explained.
The wicket-keeper emphasized his cricketing ability, lamenting that he regrets not finishing his education.
“The demand from me is cricket, not English. There is a regret that I did not complete my education, which is why I struggle in speaking English.”
“Pakistan is not demanding English from me if that is the case, I will leave cricket to become a professor but I do not have that much time,” he added.
Rizwan mentioned that he encourages younger players to prioritize their education to communicate effectively on an international stage while representing Pakistan.
When asked why he doesn’t bring a translator or speak Urdu during media engagements, Rizwan agreed it was a valid concern but felt he could express his thoughts well enough in English.
“That is a valid point that we should speak Urdu but sometimes we feel that we can speak much to make someone understand [what I am saying],” Rizwan argued.
“If an Englishman comes here, I can communicate with him and can even roam around the city for a day and he would not feel anything. Only those will feel, who are mad at me,” he concluded.
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