In a surprising twist for cricket fans, Pakistan’s star wicketkeeper-batsman Mohammad Rizwan has set sail for the Caribbean Premier League (CPL) 2025 after being left out of Pakistan’s national squad for upcoming international series. Rizwan, known for his consistency, fighting spirit, and match-winning knocks, is one of Pakistan’s most successful T20 players in recent years. His exclusion has shocked fans and cricket experts alike, sparking debates about the Pakistan Cricket Board’s (PCB) selection policies and the player’s future with the national team.
This detailed blog dives deep into why Rizwan was omitted, his journey to CPL 2025, what this means for Pakistan cricket, and how this move could reshape his T20 career.
📰 Introduction: Rizwan’s Shocking Omission
Pakistan cricket fans woke up to shocking news when the PCB announced its squad for the upcoming T20 series and Mohammad Rizwan’s name was missing. This decision comes at a time when Rizwan has been Pakistan’s most consistent T20 batter since 2021, forming a formidable partnership with Babar Azam at the top.
Instead of sulking, Rizwan decided to head to the Caribbean Premier League (CPL) to continue showcasing his talent and maintain his rhythm in franchise cricket.
“I have always played for my country with my heart. Sometimes, setbacks are just redirections. The CPL is an opportunity, and I am ready.” — Mohammad Rizwan 🗣️
❓ Why Mohammad Rizwan Was Dropped
The PCB’s decision to leave Rizwan out has raised several questions. While there hasn’t been any official explanation, here are the possible reasons:
a) Experimentation with Young Talent 🧒
Pakistan is reportedly looking to test new wicketkeeper-batsmen like Azam Khan and Mohammad Haris ahead of the T20 World Cup 2026.
b) Strike-Rate Concerns ⚡
Although Rizwan is consistent, critics often highlight his strike rate in T20 cricket, which averages around 128–135 — considered slightly low for modern T20 powerplays.
c) Franchise Commitments 💰
Some insiders claim Rizwan’s growing involvement in franchise leagues has clashed with PCB’s expectations for national team availability.
d) Dressing Room Dynamics
Reports suggest minor differences between team management and senior players, including Rizwan, which could have influenced the selection.
Regardless of the reason, Rizwan’s omission has divided cricket experts — with some calling it a “necessary transition” while others label it a huge blunder.
✈️ Rizwan’s Journey to CPL 2025
After the snub, Rizwan was quickly approached by two CPL franchises — Trinbago Knight Riders and Barbados Royals. Eventually, Rizwan signed with the Trinbago Knight Riders 🤝.
- League: Caribbean Premier League (CPL 2025)
- Team: Trinbago Knight Riders
- Format: T20
- Expected Debut Match: August 25, 2025
This move gives Rizwan an opportunity to play alongside global stars like Andre Russell, Sunil Narine, and Nicholas Pooran, sharpening his finishing skills and adapting to Caribbean pitches.
🏏 CPL 2025 Teams Interested in Rizwan
Several franchises showed interest in Rizwan due to his calm temperament and reliability under pressure:
| CPL Franchise | Status | Reason for Interest |
|---|---|---|
| Trinbago Knight Riders | ✅ Signed | Needed an experienced opener |
| Barbados Royals | ❌ Declined | Lost bidding battle |
| Guyana Amazon Warriors | 🟡 Considered | Wanted a solid middle-order option |
| St. Lucia Kings | ❌ Not Interested | Focused on local players |
📊 Stats That Prove Rizwan’s Value
Despite being dropped, Rizwan’s T20I stats are impressive:
- Matches Played: 90+
- Runs Scored: 3,100+
- Average: 48.5
- Strike Rate: 129.7
- Half-Centuries: 28
- Hundreds: 2
In the PSL 2025, Rizwan finished as the second-highest run-scorer, with 468 runs in 12 innings at a strike rate of 141.
📌 These numbers prove Rizwan still has a lot to offer in T20 cricket.
😮 Pakistan Fans React to Rizwan’s Exclusion
Pakistani cricket fans took to social media to express their disappointment:
- “Dropping Rizwan is the biggest mistake PCB has made in years.”
- “CPL’s gain, Pakistan’s loss! 💔”
- “He deserves better. PCB politics ruining careers again.”
On X (formerly Twitter), the hashtag #BringBackRizwan trended within hours.
🧠 Expert Opinions on PCB’s Decision
Cricket experts have mixed reactions:
- Ramiz Raja: “Dropping Rizwan before a major ICC event is short-sighted.”
- Wasim Akram: “I think Rizwan should take this as an opportunity to redefine his T20 role.”
- Shoaib Akhtar: “This shows how chaotic PCB management still is. Rizwan was Pakistan’s backbone in T20s.”
💬 Rizwan’s Message to Fans Before CPL
Before leaving for the Caribbean, Rizwan posted a heartfelt note:
“Playing for Pakistan has always been my greatest honor. Sometimes, life throws challenges your way, but every setback is a chance to grow. See you soon, Insha’Allah.” 🙏
This has further strengthened his bond with fans, who admire his humility and professionalism.
🏆 Rizwan’s Role in CPL 2025: What to Expect
At Trinbago Knight Riders, Rizwan is expected to:
- Open the innings alongside Colin Munro
- Play the role of anchor while power hitters accelerate
- Share wicketkeeping duties
- Mentor young Caribbean batters
This experience could reshape Rizwan’s T20 approach, especially improving his strike rate and finishing abilities.
🇵🇰 Future of Rizwan in Pakistan Cricket
Rizwan’s omission doesn’t necessarily mean the end of his Pakistan career. PCB often experiments with squads, and Rizwan could:
- Return stronger if he dominates CPL 2025
- Compete with Azam Khan and Mohammad Haris for the wicketkeeper spot
- Be a sure-shot selection for the T20 World Cup 2026 if he maintains his form
🎯 Impact on Pakistan’s T20 World Cup 2026 Plans
Dropping Rizwan just a year before the T20 World Cup 2026 could backfire:
- Pakistan loses a proven top-order partnership (Babar-Rizwan)
- Inexperienced replacements may struggle under pressure
- Rizwan’s CPL experience could ironically make him more dangerous for opponents if recalled
🏁 Conclusion
Mohammad Rizwan’s move to the CPL 2025 comes at a turning point in his career. While PCB’s decision to omit him remains controversial, this franchise opportunity allows Rizwan to evolve as a T20 player.
If he performs well, it will force selectors to reconsider their stance ahead of the T20 World Cup 2026. For now, fans can only watch Rizwan light up the Caribbean and hope for a strong comeback.
❓ FAQs
Q1. Why was Mohammad Rizwan dropped from Pakistan’s T20 squad?
A: PCB hasn’t given an official reason, but reports suggest experimentation with young talent and strike-rate concerns.
Q2. Which CPL team has Rizwan joined?
A: Rizwan has signed with the Trinbago Knight Riders.
Q3. Can Rizwan still make a comeback to the Pakistan team?
A: Absolutely! If Rizwan performs well in CPL 2025, he can be recalled for T20 World Cup 2026.
Q4. What’s Rizwan’s T20 record?
A: He has scored 3100+ runs at an average of 48.5 and a strike rate of 129.7 in T20Is.
Q5. When does Rizwan debut in CPL 2025?
A: He is expected to play his first match on August 25, 2025.