Hammad Azam has strongly criticised Muhammad Rizwan for his comments regarding the Hyderabad Kingsmen's place in the playoffs during the 2026 Pakistan Super League (PSL). Azam expressed deep disappointment, noting that such remarks were unexpected from a former Pakistan captain and long-time PSL leader. He pointed out that Rizwan’s own team, Rawalpindiz, has a poor record, winning only two of their last 18 matches. The Hyderabad Kingsmen skipper suggested that Rizwan should focus on his own team's performance and "self-analysis" rather than judging others.

"It was a very bad statement, to be honest. When I heard it and saw their press conference, I was very disappointed because I wasn’t expecting that from a captain who has led a PSL team for a long time. You have been the former captain of Pakistan, yet you decided that we don’t deserve it just because one game went bad.

Now, if we look at personal performances, I think they have won two matches in the last 18, one this year and one last year. So, they should also do some self-analysis about what they deserve and what they don’t deserve.”

Hammad highlighted that the Kingsmen had already defeated Rizwan's team by over 100 runs in a previous encounter, proving they earned their spot. He also dismissed Rizwan's claims that he had instructed teammates to play poorly in order to influence other teams' qualification.

Muhammad Rizwan calls Hyderabad Kingsmen 's qualification for playoffs ‘undeserving’

Mohammad Rizwan, captain of the Rawalpindiz, sparked controversy during the 2026 Pakistan Super League (PSL 11) by stating that the Hyderabad Kingsmen "did not deserve" their place in the playoffs. His comments came after a high-stakes final league match that saw Hyderabad secure a massive 108-run victory over his team, knocking the defending champions, Lahore Qalandars, out of the tournament.

Also Read | Team Apex Gaming Unveils BGMI Lineup Ahead of BMPS 2026

“During the strategic timeout, I told Usman Khawaja that, considering how Hyderabad played their last match, they don't deserve it".

He later clarified this, noting it was just his opinion and offered an apology. Regarding the team's exit, he added, "we are out of the PSL now... other teams were far better than us.”

Led by Glenn Maxwell’s 70 and Hunain Shah’s 4/22, Hyderabad posted 244/6 and bowled out Rawalpindiz for 136, exceeding the required margin in their debut season.