Hammad Azam Slams Rizwan’s ‘Undeserving’ Playoff Remark as PSL Tensions Boil Over

Key facts

• Hyderabad Kingsmen defeated Rawalpindiz by 108 runs on April 30, 2026, to secure a playoff berth.
• Hyderabad posted 244/6, powered by Glenn Maxwell's 70 and Hunain Shah's 4/22, then bowled out Rawalpindiz for 136.
• Mohammad Rizwan said Hyderabad 'didn’t deserve' playoffs, later calling it a personal opinion and apologizing.
• Hammad Azam called Rizwan's statement 'very bad' and noted Rawalpindiz won only 2 of their last 18 matches.
• Hyderabad edged Lahore Qalandars on net run-rate to claim the final playoff spot.
• Rizwan's Rawalpindiz won just one of 10 matches in the season.
• Azam highlighted that Hyderabad had previously bowled out Rawalpindiz for 125 and won by over 100 runs.

A Playoff Berth Sparks a War of Words

A blistering 108-run victory on April 30, 2026, propelled the Hyderabad Kingsmen into the Pakistan Super League playoffs — and ignited a bitter public spat over whether they deserved to be there. The Kingsmen, in their debut season, posted a commanding 244 for 6 before bowling out Rawalpindiz for 136, securing the final playoff spot on net run-rate. But rather than celebrating, the team found itself defending its legitimacy after Rawalpindiz captain Mohammad Rizwan declared that Hyderabad did not merit qualification.

Rizwan’s Comments and Apology

Speaking after the match, Rizwan told reporters that Hyderabad's qualification was undeserved, calling it his 'own wrong thinking' and offering an apology. He explained that during a strategic timeout he had told Usman Khawaja that, based on Hyderabad's performance, they did not deserve to advance. 'This can be my own wrong thinking, I’m sorry for this. This is my own opinion,' Rizwan said. He added that if Hyderabad progressed and knocked out his team, then they would deserve it, but attributed their success partly to luck and strong play in Lahore.

Hammad Azam’s Sharp Rebuttal

Hammad Azam, the Kingsmen all-rounder, did not hold back in his response. In an interview with a local media platform, he expressed deep disappointment, saying, 'It was a very bad statement, to be honest.' He questioned how a former Pakistan captain and long-time PSL leader could judge an entire team based on one game. 'You have been the ex-captain of Pakistan, you have decided that we don’t deserve it because one game went bad,' Azam said, urging Rizwan to examine his own team's record.

Rawalpindiz’s Dismal Record Under Scrutiny

Azam pointed to Rawalpindiz's poor performance over two seasons, noting they had won only two of their last 18 matches — one in the current season and one the previous year. 'They should also do self-analysis about what they deserve and what they don’t deserve,' he stated. Rawalpindiz managed just one win in 10 matches this season, a stark contrast to Hyderabad's dramatic late surge. Azam emphasized that Hyderabad had previously bowled out Rawalpindiz for 125 and beaten them by over 100 runs, proving their merit.

The Match That Decided the Playoffs

The decisive league-stage fixture saw Hyderabad bat first, with Glenn Maxwell smashing 70 and Hunain Shah taking 4 for 22 to help post 244 for 6. In reply, Rawalpindiz were dismissed for 136, handing Hyderabad a 108-run victory. The result left Hyderabad level on points with Lahore Qalandars, but their superior net run-rate secured the final playoff berth, eliminating the defending champions. The emphatic win underscored the Kingsmen's ability to perform under pressure.

Wider Implications for PSL and Team Dynamics

The exchange has laid bare the intense rivalries within the PSL, where every match carries playoff implications. Azam criticized remarks suggesting pre-match preferences for other teams, calling them inconsistent with a professional captain’s responsibilities. Rizwan, for his part, acknowledged that his team was out of the tournament and that other sides had been 'far better.' The incident raises questions about sportsmanship and the pressure on captains in high-stakes leagues.

Looking Ahead: Playoffs and Unresolved Tensions

As the playoffs approach, the war of words may fuel further intensity on the field. Hyderabad will carry the momentum of a dominant victory and a point to prove, while Rizwan’s comments have added a personal edge to any future encounters. The Kingsmen, in their debut season, have already demonstrated resilience; whether they can channel this controversy into a deep playoff run remains to be seen.

The bottom line

• Hammad Azam strongly criticized Mohammad Rizwan for saying Hyderabad didn't deserve playoffs, calling the statement 'very bad' and questioning Rizwan's judgment.
• Rawalpindiz won only 2 of their last 18 matches, while Hyderabad secured their playoff spot with a 108-run victory.
• Rizwan apologized, calling his remarks a personal opinion, but the incident has heightened tensions in the PSL.
• Hyderabad's victory knocked out defending champions Lahore Qalandars, adding stakes to the controversy.
• The Kingsmen's debut season has been marked by resilience, including two dominant wins over Rawalpindiz.