“I’m a Cricketer, Not a Professor”: Mohammad Rizwan Responds to Criticism Over English Speaking Skills

Karachi:Multan Sultans captain and Pakistan’s star cricketer **Mohammad Rizwan** has hit back at ongoing criticism regarding his English-speaking abilities, asserting that **language proficiency is not a measure of competence** in sports.

Speaking at a **press conference in Karachi**, Rizwan firmly stated, *“There is no shame in not knowing English. My job is to play cricket, and I’m doing just that. If speaking English was the requirement, I’d be a professor, not a cricketer.”*

He expressed regret over **not being able to complete his education**, which he said is the reason he isn’t fluent in English. Still, he made it clear that such shortcomings should not overshadow his **contributions on the field**.

Rizwan’s remarks come amid growing social media criticism following his appearances at press events, where his **lack of fluency in English** became a talking point.

Earlier, during the PSL captains’ press conference in Lahore, Rizwan had stirred further headlines by **blaming the selection committee** for Pakistan’s recent losses. *“Everyone knows the selection committee is controlling things. The coach, captain, and selectors must all be held accountable for their roles,”* he said, taking a starkly different stance from former captain **Babar Azam**, who chose to remain cautious and diplomatic.

Rizwan’s comments have reignited a debate in Pakistan about the **importance of English in sports**, with many supporting his view that **performance, not pronunciation, defines a true athlete**.