MELBOURNE: In a rare incident during the Big Bash League, Pakistan’s star batter Mohammad Rizwan was retired out due to slow scoring that draws strong reactions from the cricket fans.
Melbourne Renegades captain called Rizwan off the field mid-innings and sent in a replacement batter. Rizwan had scored just 26 runs off 23 balls, including nine dot balls. The captain cited timing and strategy as the reason for the decision.
Former Australian cricketers in the commentary box supported the move. One said the retirement should have happened two overs earlier.
The decision quickly drew attention on social media. Fans criticised Rizwan sharply and termed it a shamful. One user suggested he retire from T20 cricket immediately.
Muhammad Rizwan has been retired out by the Melbourne Renegades 👀 #BBL15 pic.twitter.com/AuTGoTIHqb
— KFC Big Bash League (@BBL) January 12, 2026
Analyst Mazhar Arshad noted that Rizwan became the first Pakistani batter to be retired out for tactical reasons in a T20 match.
Rizwan has become the first batter from Pakistan to be retired out for tactical reasons in 20 overs T20 cricket. pic.twitter.com/PHO4WcucSB
— Mazher Arshad (@MazherArshad) January 12, 2026
Another commentator, Arfa Feroz, questioned selectors Mike Hesson and the committee, claiming the move damaged Rizwan’s confidence and performance.
Mike Hesson and Selection Committee was never held accountable for dropping Mohammad Rizwan without justification. The controversial decision has clearly damaged the confidence and has negatively impacted the performance of Rizwan.🙏🏽#PakistanCricket https://t.co/8JrC4o4PqM
— Arfa Feroz Zake (@ArfaSays_) January 12, 2026
Fan Waqas said Rizwan remains a key player everyone wants back for the T20 World Cup.
Some users criticized Pakistan’s stars, including Babar Azam, Rizwan, and Shaheen Afridi, calling their BBL performances embarrassing.
Also Read: Fact about Ellyse Perry proposing to Babar Azam
Rabiya wrote that the incident was “shameful” and said Rizwan should not play T20 cricket again.
