Pakistani batter Mohammad Rizwan found himself at the centre of controversy during the Big Bash League (BBL) on Monday, January 12, when he was retired out. Representing the Melbourne Renegades, the former Pakistan captain was asked to leave the field to make way for Will Sutherland during the match against the Sydney Thunder.
Rizwan Struggles to Score Runs
Rizwan appeared to struggle for fluency at the crease. With the Renegades entering the final phase of their innings, he managed only 26 runs off 23 balls. His knock included two fours and one six. Despite facing the most deliveries for his team, Rizwan was unable to accelerate the scoring rate, prompting the team management to replace him with Sutherland.
As a result, Rizwan created an unwanted record, becoming the first overseas player to be retired out in the history of the Big Bash League.
Disappointing Season Raises Questions
Rizwan’s overall performance in the ongoing BBL season has been underwhelming. In eight innings, he has scored just 167 runs, with a strike rate slightly above 100. Despite arriving as one of the high-profile signings, he has failed to make a significant impact.
Notably, the six he hit during Monday’s innings was his first maximum of the entire tournament.
Also Read: Mohammad Rizwan Biography
T20 World Cup Hopes in Doubt
Rizwan’s poor showing in the BBL has significantly dented his chances of selection for Pakistan’s T20 World Cup squad. Once a regular leader in Pakistan’s white-ball setup, Rizwan has not played a T20 International since December 2024, and his recent performances are unlikely to impress the selectors.
Pakistan’s selectors are expected to choose only one of Babar Azam or Mohammad Rizwan for the upcoming tournament, but neither player has lived up to expectations. Babar Azam has also struggled, scoring just 154 runs in eight matches. Both Babar and Rizwan have been out of Pakistan’s T20 side since the 2024 T20 World Cup and also missed last year’s Asia Cup.