Rizwan calls for reset after New Zealand whitewash, sets sights on PSL glory

Pakistan captain Mohammad Rizwan has urged fans and his team to move on from the forgettable white-ball tour of New Zealand after the visitors suffered a 3-0 ODI series whitewash.

Speaking at the post-match presentation after Pakistan’s defeat in the final ODI at Mount Maunganui on Saturday, Rizwan acknowledged New Zealand’s all-round dominance while admitting that Pakistan couldn’t quite adapt to the conditions.

He also praised his teammates’ individual efforts, particularly Babar Azam, who scored two fifties in the series.

“It’s been a disappointing series for us,” Rizwan said. “Babar played well with the bat, and credit to New Zealand – they outplayed us in all three departments.”

“These conditions are tough for us, but to be fair, they [New Zealand] have performed in Asian conditions as well.”

Prior to a disastrous tour of New Zealand, Pakistan were knocked out from the first round of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 last month.

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However, Mohammad Rizwan called for a shift in mindset, urging his teammates and fans to focus on the upcoming Pakistan Super League (PSL) season 10.

“After the Champions Trophy and this series, we’ll leave the past behind,” he said. “PSL is a big tournament for us, and hopefully, we’ll give the people something to cheer about.”

It’s worth noting that PSL 10 is set to commence on April 11, 2025. The opening match will see defending champions Islamabad United take on two-time winners Lahore Qalandars at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium.

The tournament, featuring six teams and 34 matches, will run from April 11 to May 18. Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium is set to host 13 matches, including both Eliminators and the grand final.

Mohammad Rizwan-led Multan Sultans will kick off their campaign on April 12 against the Karachi Kings at the National Bank Stadium.

READ: PSL 10 to feature full-match Urdu commentary for the first time ever