Pakistan Super League (PSL) franchise Multan Sultans’ assistant coach, Mushtaq Ahmed, heaped praise on the skipper Mohammad Rizwan, and compared his leadership qualities to those of 1992 World Cup-winning captain and all-rounder Imran Khan, after the team’s stellar show in the PSL 2022.
The defending PSL champions, Multan Sultans, have enjoyed a great time this season as well, as the Mohammad Rizwan-led franchise became the first team to reach the PSL 2022 final after winning 10 out of their 11 matches so far in the tournament.
Ahmed told cricketpakistan.com.pk: “One of the most important things when it comes to winning is the leadership quality and Rizwan is a great leader. He keeps everyone in the loop and works with the players to execute the game plans.”
On being asked whether the change in captaincy was a great move for the Multan Sultans, the coach said: “There are a lot of factors which come into play and you just don’t focus on one element; for the players to trust their captain, the chemistry to be matched between the players and the captain.”
He added, “When players respect you as a captain or as a coach, they will automatically give more value to your opinions and will try to carry out the plans. It goes back to the old adage which states that it is not the medicine that cures you but the belief you have in the doctor’s treatment. So, Rizwan’s captaincy was definitely a factor but the credit also is with the players for their togetherness.”
Comparing Rizwan and Imran Khan, Ahmed noted: “There are three things which are required in leadership. One, you have to be honest. Second, you have to lead by example and through your performances. Lastly, you need to be a decision-maker. All these three things are present in him [Rizwan]. He often tells players when he feels that they did not put in the effort. So, the balance between being soft and jolly while also firm is very important.”
He signed off by saying, “I remember when I conceded 70-odd runs in Brisbane and Imran Bhai came up to me and backed me for trying my level best. I think it is important to back your players as a leader because it gives you the desire to go out there and prove their belief in you. Rizwan is exactly this way and his leadership is huge positive.”
