Mohammad Rizwan insists on Urdu amid persistent trolling over English-speaking skills – Firstpost

Pakistan’s ODI captain and wicketkeeper-batter
Mohammad Rizwan has addressed the persistent online trolling regarding his English-speaking skills by making a statement ahead of Multan Sultans’ opening clash in the PSL 2025 season.

Rizwan takes a stand on his trolling

At the toss presentation for Multan’s first game of the tournament against Karachi Kings, Rizwan requested, “I want to speak in Urdu, please.” This comes amid criticism of his spoken English during media appearances and post-match interviews as captain or player.

Now you guys should be happy
Y’all made such a big deal out of Rizwan speaking English pic.twitter.com/iGIi6233ku

— 𝓜𝓪𝓱𝓲 (@TasniMahi) April 12, 2025

Rizwan has been at the receiving end of regular social media trolling for his English, particularly during his stint as Pakistan captain. Responding to the criticism before his first match of PSL, Rizwan made it clear that while he regrets not having had access to formal education, he takes no shame in his current communication 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. 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 said.

“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 were the case, I would leave cricket to become a professor, but I do not have that much time,” he added.

Rizwan responds to reporter’s ‘win or learn’ jibe

Rizwan was also recently put on the spot during the PSL 2025 captains’ press conference, where a journalist mockingly asked if the Multan Sultans, under his leadership, would finally start winning after years of “learning,” a cheeky jab at his famous “win or learn” statement.

“Aisa hai ki mujhe result ki parwa nahin hai. Result Allah ke haath mein hai. Allah ne jo cheez hamaare haath mein di hai, usko hum fulfil karne ki koshish karenge, chahe woh hard work ho, awareness ho. Koshish toh hum poori karenge. Allah win bhi deta hai, learn bhi deta hai. Humne usse seekhna hai.”