Karachi: Multan Sultans head coach Andy Flower accepted that it was difficult for Shan Masood to be removed from captaincy for Pakistan Super League (PSL) season six, however, looking at Mohammad Rizwan’s success in past one year led them to appoint leader of the franchise.
The 31-year-old Shan captained Sultans in PSL 5 and guided them to the playoffs stage for the first time in the franchise’s history whereas the 28-year-old Rizwan was picked by Sultans in the draft in the silver category, held on January 10.
“I really enjoyed working with Shan Masood as he captained and played well but nothing is permanent in life,” Flower said while talking to reporters in a pre-tournament virtual presser.
“We empathize with Shan and it is not easy for him after being removed from captaincy. But, he has seen a lot of hurdles in his young career and this is yet another for him. I am certain that he will take this in that way,” he added.
“Shan is still part of the Multan group and will play a huge part as a batsman and internal leader but at the moment, we are very much looking forward to Rizwan leading the side and getting is in the playoffs again,” he maintained.
Flower stated he researched Rizwan’s role as the captain and identified that he has all the qualities to become a successful leader.
“Rizwan has shown leadership qualities when Babar [Azam] was injured. He also has a very good record in domestic cricket where he won [National] T20 tournament for his state [Khyber Pakhtunkhwa]. Flower said.
Flower said that Rizwan’s appointment as Sultans’ leader is not short-term. “We would like to be part of his development for his own good but also good for Pakistan cricket.”
Sultans will play their first practice match ahead of PSL 6 against Lahore Qalandars today while on February 19, they will take on Peshawar Zalmi.
Sultans’ first match is scheduled to take place on February 21 against Islamabad United.
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