Usama Mir criticises Rizwan over Kingsmen playoff remarks

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan leg-spinner Usama Mir has criticised comments made by Rawalpindiz captain Mohammad Rizwan, who said Hyderabad Kingsmen did not deserve to qualify for the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 11 playoffs.

Rizwan made the remarks after a difficult season for Rawalpindiz, who managed only one win in 10 matches. Their campaign included a heavy defeat to Hyderabad Kingsmen in their final league-stage game.

Speaking at the post-match press conference, Rizwan reflected on his side’s uneven performances and the competitive nature of the tournament. He stressed the value of consistency and momentum in pressure situations, while also saying that opposing teams had performed strongly in certain conditions, especially in Lahore.

The last match played in Hyderabad, they didn't deserve it. This can be my own wrong thinking, I'm sorry for this. This is my own opinion. If they go from here properly, if they oust us from here, then they deserve it. The matches that are going on in Lahore, they are doing very well. The rhythm that they are playing, I think it was their luck, Rizwan said.

Hyderabad Kingsmen booked their place in the playoffs with a commanding 108-run win over Rawalpindiz in a must-win match. After batting first, they scored 244-6 and then dismissed Rawalpindiz for 136.

The victory left Hyderabad level on points with Lahore Qalandars, but they moved into the playoffs on the basis of a superior net run-rate to claim the final qualifying berth.

Usama Mir responds

In an interview with a local sports platform, Usama Mir said he was disappointed by Rizwan’s remarks and questioned his right to make such a judgment given his own team’s performances.

I was extremely disappointed by his press conference. They themselves haven’t played good cricket, yet they are saying others do not deserve it. I was shocked. Did you deserve it? Who are you to decide that? Mir questioned.

Mir also pointed to what he described as a contradiction between the team’s displays and the comments made afterward.

You go into a press conference and say that the team did not deserve it because they got all out for 80. Your own team has been getting bowled out for around 100 throughout the tournament. What kind of remarks are these? First, you played terrible cricket, and then you conduct a press conference as if you have achieved something extraordinary, he stated.

Mir has previously played for Lahore Qalandars.

Kingsmen fall short in final

Hyderabad Kingsmen’s campaign later ended without the title in their debut season, as they lost the final to Peshawar Zalmi in a low-scoring match at Gaddafi Stadium on Sunday.

After being sent in to bat, Kingsmen were bowled out for 129 in 18 overs. Saim Ayub top-scored with 54 off 50 balls, but the rest of the batting order was unable to put together substantial partnerships.

In reply, Zalmi slipped to 40-4 before Aaron Hardie and Abdul Samad turned the chase around with an 85-run stand. Samad made 48 from 34 balls, while Hardie remained unbeaten on 56 off 39 deliveries as Zalmi reached the target with 28 balls to spare and five wickets in hand.