PSL 2026: End of an Era for Rizwan as Rawalpindiz Struggle

The scene was subdued as Hunain Shah sent down a short ball and Yasir Khan simply pushed it towards the off side. There was no urgency, no attempt to exploit fielding gaps, and little hint of aggression. After eight balls, Yasir had made just six runs without finding the boundary; only three boundaries had come in the entire innings. As the powerplay ended, Rawalpindiz limped to 24 for 3-the lowest six-over total in PSL 2026.

A Downward Spiral: From Contenders to Also-Rans

Pinpointing the exact moment Rawalpindiz’s campaign unraveled is a challenge. Was it their lackluster showing against Hyderabad Kingsmen, following five consecutive defeats? Or did the rot set in earlier, perhaps at the auction, when the franchise failed to secure a dynamic T20 opener or sufficient fast bowling depth? Naseem Shah’s persistent back injury only exacerbated their problems, leaving an already thin pace attack exposed.

The Franchise’s Complicated Rebirth

While Rawalpindiz are officially a new name in the league, the reality is more complex. The team is essentially a rebranded Multan Sultans, reborn after an ownership shift and a subsequent renaming. However, the transition erased much of the previous identity, creating a squad that shared little with its storied predecessor, the Sialkot Stallionz.

From Golden Era to Freefall

The Sultans’ golden years were recent: four straight PSL finals until 2024 and a championship in 2021. But by the end, the side had lost its edge, culminating in a disastrous 2025 season with nine defeats from ten games. Former owner Ali Tareen openly contemplated a full-scale rebuild, intending to clear the roster if he remained in charge.

At the center of this decline was Mohammad Rizwan. Once the architect of Multan’s success, he oversaw a dramatic downturn, steering the franchise to 16 losses in their last 17 matches-a record low for any PSL captain.

Squad Decisions and the Weight of Retention

Under new management, Rawalpindiz opted to retain four players: Zaman Khan, Yasir Khan, Sam Billings, and Rizwan himself. Fate, however, was unkind. Zaman’s early injury intensified their fast bowling crisis. Yasir, after a promising 83-run start, faltered along with the rest of the team, while Billings offered only brief resistance with a couple of half-centuries. Ultimately, isolated performances couldn’t compensate for the broader malaise.

Rizwan’s Changing Role in a Modern T20 Landscape

Retaining Rizwan was a sentimental decision-he remains the most successful Sultan, with four PSL finals and a title to his name. In his prime, he excelled by blending consistency with the strategic demands of early-2020s T20 cricket. In 58 innings, he registered a fifty or better more than once every three games and averaged just under 50, often anchoring the chase.

Yet, the game has evolved. Today’s T20 format punishes conservatism, especially in the powerplay. Rizwan’s trademark stability has given way to caution, and his once-reliable run-production has dried up. This season, he is one of only two players to have batted six times without reaching 100 runs, posting the second-lowest average in that group. His powerplay strike rate since 2025 is among the league’s lowest, and his 118.07 strike rate this year is surpassed by only two batters with comparable innings.

Opening Partnerships and a Faltering Top Order

Rizwan’s struggles have been compounded by his opening partners. Yasir Khan, out of form and inexperienced, and Usman Khawaja, never a natural T20 opener and now past his best, have failed to provide stability. Across ten innings since game two, Rawalpindiz’s openers have reached double figures just three times, with none exceeding 21 runs.

Unforgiving Circumstances and Missed Opportunities

Rawalpindiz’s woes extend beyond form and tactics. Key injuries to Zaman Khan and Naseem Shah left them exposed in an already thin department. The team’s composition, likely built around hosting home games in Rawalpindi, was undermined by unforeseen circumstances. A collective dip in form hit key players like Yasir, Mohammad Amir, and marquee signing Daryl Mitchell. Tosses rarely fell in their favor, and the side was forced to chase only once in a tournament where batting second was a clear advantage.

The Final Reckoning for Rizwan’s Captaincy

As defeats mount, Rizwan’s legacy is at a crossroads. Once celebrated for his leadership and tactical acumen, he now presides over a record-breaking losing streak. With six defeats from six in PSL 2026, the prospect of ending the season winless looms large-a possibility unthinkable during his glory days.

The warning signs were evident in 2025, but Rawalpindiz’s reluctance to adapt or rebuild decisively has only deepened the crisis. Rizwan’s own words resonate now more than ever: “You either win or you learn.” For both the franchise and its iconic captain, the lesson is clear-the time of Rizwan’s reign has drawn to a close, and a new chapter awaits.