Rizwan criticized over “ambassadors of Islam” statement

Pakistani cricketer Mohammad Rizwan recently found himself at the center of controversy following his remarks about being “ambassadors of Islam.”

Rizwan’s statement came in the wake of Pakistan’s disappointing performance in the T20 World Cup, where the team faced an early exit after losing to India and the USA.

This sparked a wave of backlash from fans and critics alike, who urged the wicketkeeper-batsman to focus on his cricketing skills rather than religious proclamations.

Here’s what Rizwan said:

"We're brand ambassadors of Islam": Rizwan pic.twitter.com/FKRUSeSanO

— Arfa Feroz Zake (@ArfaSays_) July 2, 2024

Netizens took to social media to express their discontent, with one user writing, “When nothing works out, Islam is the last of the trump cards. Molvi Diesel of Cricket.”

When nothing works out, Islam is the last of the trump cards. Molvin Diesel of Cricket! https://t.co/0Z2ZVN3AWU

— Umar Khayyam (@utggondal) July 3, 2024

The sentiment was echoed by many who felt that Rizwan’s emphasis on religious identity was a diversion from the team’s on-field failures.

Another critic remarked, “Rizwan, you were selected for your batting, not your piety or being a Muslim. Cricket took a hit the day religiosity stepped on the field. Learn professionalism—hiding behind religion to cover up incompetence is a classic Pakistani move.”

Rizwan, you were selected for your batting, not your piety or being a Muslim. Cricket took a hit the day religiosity stepped on the field. Learn professionalism—hiding behind religion to cover up incompetence is a classic Pakistani move. https://t.co/wsVJ1qLcD5

— Mona Farooq Ahmad (@MonaChaudhryy) July 3, 2024

Here’s what others said:

To bhai jb tum is convicted rapist, Sandeep Lamichhane, ko milnay gaye thay to kaunsay Islam ko represent kar rahay thay? https://t.co/ZzULuGNoil pic.twitter.com/lGNHitewMx

— اسد (@zarathustra_3) July 3, 2024

I’m so embarrassed watching this that too after having humiliatingly lost the last most important tournament.
Kaash logon ki parwa karli hoti. https://t.co/urn0D8H1Wa

— Sadaf | صدف (@sadsnaqvi) July 2, 2024

But yeh hai brand ambassador for fascism @iMRizwanPak https://t.co/7BxcdlEePP

— اویس (@Sabbandkardo) July 2, 2024

Nobody has any issue with him speaking about Islam, he has done it alot of times and people have defended him always.

But now it feels like this man thinks, it's the most easiest way to gaslight people and divert the attention from his stinkers in wt20 https://t.co/KCwCK52Jrt

— samiya (@pinklininginsky) July 2, 2024

Such comments highlight the frustration among fans who believe that the focus should remain on cricketing excellence rather than religious representation.