“Mockery of…”- Pakistan T20 World Cup winner calls for Mohammad Rizwan’s BBL 2025/26 departure for ‘retired-out’ decision

Pakistan'sformer T20 World Cup-winning side of the 2009 edition, Kamran Akmal, has requested the wicket-keeper batter, Mohammad Rizwan, of the Melbourne Renegades, to return from the Big Bash League (BBL) 2025/26. He wants Rizwan to take a stand against the franchise and return after retiring him out when he was batting on 26 off 23 balls. 

Kamran Akmal gave an example of their former captain and veteran batter, Younis Khan, who left the 2008 season of the Indian Premier League (IPL) because he was benched by the Rajasthan Royals (RR), who eventually went on to the inaugural edition.

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“We have spoken at length on various shows and on YouTube about how Babar and Rizwan need to improve their strike rates. What happened to Rizwan has not only led to mockery across the world but has also created a sense of humiliation. Some people are even saying that Rizwan should leave the league and return home.” Rizwan expressed during his interaction on GTV Sports.

Kamran Akmal calls for Mohammad Rizwan's early BBL 2025/26 leave 

In his debut BBL season, Rizwan has notched up 167 runs in eight encounters at an average of 20.87 and a strike rate of 101.82, besides smashing just one six in the eight innings he was part of the tournament.

“During the first season of the IPL, Younis Khan was kept on the bench while playing alongside you for the Rajasthan Royals. He famously said, ‘I am the captain of Pakistan; I will not sit on the bench. You must send me back with respect. ‘We have seen players stand up for themselves like that. Absolutely, I also believe this should not have happened; he is our top player and a proven performer.” Akmal informed.

“Every country is now following the modern approach to cricket, so players need to develop themselves accordingly. Rizwan has been playing with the same mindset since the beginning of his T20 career. In Australia, the game is viewed through a specific tactical lens. We have seen similar moves being made in leagues like the ILT20 and the IPL.” The former wicket-keeper addressed.