Cricketers from Pakistan and India want to play against each other: Mohammad Rizwan

Mohammad Rizwan has claimed that players from both India and Pakistan want to play with each other. But, due to political issues between the two countries in recent times, it has not been possible. India and Pakistan have not been involved in a bilateral series since January 2013 when the arch-rival sides played two T20Is and three ODIs during Pakistan’s tour to India. However, the neighbouring nations have clashed in ICC tournaments regularly. Their last meeting came in last year’s T20 World Cup held in the United Arab Emirates and Oman.

The last time India played a cricket match in Pakistan was during the 2005–06 season. But with the ongoing tension between the two countries, any visit by either side is improbable at the time. However, Rizwan believes that the players from both sides are keen on playing against each other, but the circumstances between the two countries are not in the player’s control.

“The cricketers from Pakistan and India want to play against each other, but the state-level affairs are not in the control of players,” the Pakistan wicketkeeper-batter said to the media ahead of the West Indies tour of Pakistan.

I really admire Cheteshwar Pujara’s concentration and focus – Rizwan

Mohammad Rizwan was recently seen in action in the County Championship, where he played alongside Indian cricketer, Cheteshwar Pujara. The duo was involved in a brilliant 154-run stand for the sixth wicket in their match for Sussex against Durham.

Pujara was a revelation in the County Championship as he scored two centuries and two double centuries after being dropped from the Indian Test team. Rizwan revealed his admiration for the Indian batter and lauded him as well.

“I had discussions with Pujara regarding cricket and learned a lot of things from him. We are no different as players, we are one cricketing family. Pujara is a very nice guy. I really admire his concentration and focus. I believe Younis Khan, Fawad Alam, and Che Pujara are three players I rate very highly in this regard,” Rizwan added.