'People are now recognising me and want pictures' - Mohammad Rizwan on how things have changed after Pakistan's win over India in the 2021 T20 WC

India versus Pakistan is the biggest draw in the game of cricket. Both countries are cricket-crazy nations, and the clash between these two titanic sides is followed with fervour in the world of cricket.

And, Pakistan wicketkeeper Mohammad Rizwan has weighed in on the clash between the two sides. Rizwan said that before Pakistan’s 2021 T20 World Cup encounter against India, many people came to him and told him that the match against the ‘Men in Blue’ is the biggest match. And to that, Rizwan replied to them that he will treat this encounter as just another normal game.

“When we were playing the T20 World Cup a lot of people before the India game were like, “Yaar, tomorrow is the India game, the biggest game”, and so on. I was saying to them, “It’s just another match, I’m not feeling different. This is a normal game,” said Rizwan in a chat with ESPNCricinfo.

I cannot describe the reception I received after that match: Mohammad Rizwan

Mohammad Rizwan scored a half-century in that match against India and helped the ‘Men in Green’ thrash the Indian side by 10 wickets. And, Rizwan said that after the match, he received an amazing reception, and people poured their love and affection on the players.

“But I swear what I felt after that game, I can’t ever describe that reception. Maybe because it was my first game against India or my first game at a World Cup, but the love and adulation that we got, we’re still feeling that. I remember in an interview before the game, somebody said, “You’re a star, but if you perform tomorrow, there’s a spot free to become a superstar.” I was just like, “Please, just hope that Pakistan wins,” added Rizwan.

Rizwan concluded by stating that he still cannot get over the fact that so many people are recognizing him now and want to take pictures with him.

“So if you ask me how I’m feeling now? Strange. I can’t get over the fact that kids are recognising me, older people, families are recognising me and wanting pictures,” concluded Rizwan.