A video on social media is viral for such a long time, where Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan, the two veterans and the former captains of the Pakistan side, have practiced in a unique way, where they stretch their hands and legs and run forward. This is a hilarious way of doing stretches, which is not quite normal and regular among the other players of the game.

Recently, another video has gone viral on social media platforms where India’s football goal-keeper, Gurpreet Singh Sandhu, has put up a video where he has stretched in the same way as Babar and Rizwan, as the other football players have also joined Sandhu in the process.

See Also: Watch: Sanju Samson’s fans put 40-feet drawing welcomes homeboy ahead of IND vs NZ 5th T20I  

Babar is currently featuring for the Pakistan side in their home three-match T20I series against Australia, which has been a great preparation for the right-handed batter ahead of the 2026 season of the T20 World Cup in India and Sri Lanka. He failed, however, in the first game in Lahore, having returned for only 24 runs in 20 balls.

Gurpreet Singh Sadhu mocks Pakistan's Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan

There is uncertainty on Pakistan’s participation in the World Cup as the PCB chief, Mohsin Naqvi, claimed after he met with the country’s Prime Minister. He confirmed that the final decision will be made on the first day of next week, which is only a couple of days before their opening game of the campaign on February 07 against the Netherlands in Colombo.

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Pakistan will hope for a better result in this year’s World Cup as they failed to get the promotion to the next round during the last event, having lost their opening clash against the United States of America and their second successive encounter against India in a small run-chase. Questions were raised on Babar’s T20I batting after that competition.

Pakistan’s biggest and mouth-watering clash of the tournament will be against India on February 15. That clash will take place at the R Premadasa Cricket Stadium in Colombo, which was possible only because of the mutual agreement between India and Pakistan, where neither side will trip each other’s country for the ICC events.

The debut season of the Pakistani star batters Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan in the Big Bash League 2025-26 (BBL 2025-26) turns into a nightmare for both of the batters. With their ongoing poor form, former Pakistan international Tanveer Ahmed suggests they think about taking retirements from international cricket.

Tanveer Ahmed, 47, suggests Azam and Rizwan think about retirement if they feel disrespected. Ahmed believes that the respect of the cricketers is in their own hands. His comments emerge amid their below-par batting performances in the BBL 2025-26 for their respective franchises.

"My request to Babar Azam and Rizwan is if you feel that you are not being given the respect you deserve, then you should retire from international cricket. Respect is in your own hands," Ahmed opined.

Read More: Watch: Abhishek Bachchan openly invites Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli to join this new T20 league

Former Pakistan international urges Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan to think about retiremnts

Babar Azam is an integral part of the Sydney Sixers. He has played back-to-back matches for them and failed to produce any positive impact on the field even after smashing a couple of half-centuries. The Pakistan superstar was heavily criticized for maintaining a low strike rate in the T20 tournament. After playing 11 matches for the Sixers, the average strike rate of the experienced batter is 103.1, which is far away from expectations.

Babar Azam's BBL 2025-26 batting stats:

On the other side, Mohammad Rizwan, a middle-order batter for the Melbourne Renegades, appears as one of the worst performers in the tournament, as his average strike rate and batting average read 102.7 and 20.8, respectively, without registering a single half-century. His highest score for Renegades is 41.

Mohammad Rizwan's BBL 2025-26 batting stats:

The situation for Mohammad Rizwan in the ongoing Big Bash League 2025-26 (BBL 2025-26) goes from bad to worse as the experienced Pakistani keeper-batter is again dismissed cheaply. Today (January 15), during the Perth Scorchers vs Renegades match, Rizwan lost his wicket after scoring only 3 runs off 4 balls.

His dismissal came at a crucial time when the Renegades had lost a couple of wickets, chasing a target of 220. At Marvel Stadium in Docklands, when Scorchers batters were in action, the surface looked friendly enough for batting. In the first innings, Perth Scorchers registered 219/7 with the help of Finn Allen's marvellous century. The New Zealand batter scored 101 runs in 53 balls, powered by five 4s and eight 6s, which took his strike rate to 190.57.

The Renegades needed the same intensity from their batting unit, and they got that through Tim Seifert (66) and Jake Fraser-McGurk (42). After the departure of Fraser-McGurk, Rizwan had the golden opportunity to carry on the momentum and prove his haters wrong. The 33-year-old got the appropriate stage, but again, it was like the repeat telecast of his previous BBL 2024-25 knocks – another failure.

Read More: Watch: Viral video shows Arshdeep Singh in try to impress Gautam Gambhir during IND vs NZ ODI series

The quick fall of Rizwan made the Renegades 53/3 in 6.1 overs. It is the debut Big Bash League season for the Pakistani batter, and the team secured his service trusting in his experience and batting skills. In return, so far Renegades got a bag full of disappointing moments. Despite a promising start, Renegades eventually lost the match. In their 20-over limit, they managed to claim only 169 runs against the 219 of the Perth Scorchers'.

Last 5 BBL 2025-26 matches of Mohammad Rizwan for the Renegades:

• Renegades vs Perth Scorchers: 3
• Renegades vs Thunder: 26
• Renegades vs Stars: 21
• Renegades vs Scorchers: 21
• Renegades vs Stars: 41

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.

See Also: Former Punjab Kings (PBKS) player named in Canada’s T20 World Cup 2026 squad

“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.

The 36th BBL 2025 match between the Melbourne Renegades and Perth Scorchers will take place at Docklands Stadium in Melbourne on Thursday. The Melbourne Renegades lost their last match by four wickets against the Sydney Thunder and are eliminated. They failed to defend the target of 170 runs.

On the other hand, the Perth Scorchers currently hold the third position in the points table with five wins. They won their last match by 32 runs against the Adelaide Strikers. Bats first and posted a big total of 232 runs. Mitch Marsh was the standout performer for Scorchers, scoring 88 runs off 51 balls.

Also Read: BBL 2025-26 Match 36: REN vs SCO head-to-head, pitch report & predicted playing XIs

REN vs SCO Match Details

• Match: Melbourne Renegades vs Perth Scorchers, 36th Match 

• Date: 15th January 2026

• Time: 1.45 PM IST

• Venue: Docklands Stadium, Melbourne 

• Live Streaming: FanCode

REN vs SCO Weather Report

REN vs SCO Pitch Report

The pitch at Docklands usually helps teams batting first. As the game progresses, the surface slows down, and scoring becomes more challenging. Stroke play gets a little difficult.

Top Batters to Watch – REN vs SCO

• Josh Brown (REN): 305 runs in this tournament 

• Mitchell Marsh (SCO): 279 runs in this tournament 

• Aaron Hardie (SCO): 254 runs in this tournament 

Top Bowlers to Watch – REN vs SCO

• Gurinder Sandhu (REN): 18 wickets in this tournament 

• Joel Paris (SCO): 11 wickets in this tournament 

• Cooper Connolly (SCO): 9 wickets in this tournament 

REN vs SCO Recent Form

REN vs SCO Today Match Prediction Scenarios

Scenario 1: If REN Bat First

• Powerplay Score: 35–45

• Predicted Total: 145–160

• Match Result: SCO to win

Scenario 2: If SCO bats first

• Powerplay Score: 45–55

• Predicted Total: 155–175

• Match Result: SCO to win

Who Will Hit the Most Sixes?

Who Will Hit the Most Fours?

REN vs SCO Predicted Playing XIs

Melbourne Renegades 

Tim Seifert, Josh Brown, Jake Fraser-McGurk, Mohammad Rizwan(w), Caleb Jewell, Hassan Khan, Will Sutherland(c), Sam Elliott, Gurinder Sandhu, Jason Behrendorff, Adam Zampa

Perth Scorchers 

Mitchell Marsh, Finn Allen, Cooper Connolly, Nick Hobson, Aaron Hardie, Ashton Turner(c), Laurie Evans, Jhye Richardson, Luke Holt, David Payne, Mahli Beardman

REN vs SCO Today Match Prediction – Who Will Win Today?

Based on current form, team balance, and superior bowling strength, the Perth Scorchers are the favourites to win this BBL match. Mitchell Marsh, Finn Allen and Cooper Connolly are expected to be the key performers.

REN vs SCO Match FAQs

During the Big Bash League (BBL)2025/26 clash between the Melbourne Renegades and the Sydney Thunder, the former franchise decided to retire their wicket-keeper batter, Mohammed Rizwan, who became the first overseas player in this league to be retired out. The plan was to score quickly.  

This is when the former Indian opening batter, Aakash Chopra, has wondered if the decision to retire out should be made a norm, given it hurts the team on most occasions. He questions whether the team has the right to not complete the full quota of four overs for the bowlers, and why couldn’t the same be done with the batters?

See Also: Watch: Mohammad Nabi attacks reporter over Mustafizur Rahman-KKR IPL 2026 controversy

“Mohammad Rizwan has retired from the Big Bash League. He was playing slowly, and they said that they would send someone else in his place. The hope was to see someone else scoring quickly. And I am to make it normal because when a bowler does not bowl, you don’t actually fulfill his quota of 4 overs. You make others bowl in that place.”

Aakash Chopra asks retired-out to be normalized

The renowned commentator has also shown his concern over the form of Rizwan and Babar Azam, the two Pakistan veteran batters, ahead of the T20 World Cup 2026 in India and Sri Lanka, and wondered if they should be picked in the national side.

Watch the video here: 

Will Babar and Rizwan be picked for Pakistan's T20 World Cup Squad? #Aakashvani
Footage courtesy: #BBL #PakistanCricket pic.twitter.com/8PXzsTyEVa

— Aakash Chopra (@cricketaakash) January 12, 2026

“Why don’t you treat the batter in the same way? Why does it become embarrassing for the batters to be retired? If you’re playing slowly, then the team has every right to bring you back to the pavilion and send someone new. And it has now happened twice in the Big Bash League this season.” Chopra addressed.

“Mohammad Rizwan has not scored at all as his average is around 20 with a strike rate of nearly 100 with no 50 in this tournament, and he has only smashed one fifty in eight innings for his 167 runs. This is the same case with Babar Azam, who has an average of 25. Even after two fifties, he has only two sixes in over 150 deliveries.” The former opener concluded.

Multiple Pakistani players are now playing in the ongoing Big Bash League 2025-26 (BBL 2025-26), including superstars like Babar Azam, Shaheen Afridi, and many others. Before the beginning of the league, there were high expectations around multiple Pakistani players.

In reality, on Monday, Pakistan cricket got another humiliating moment in Australia because of their experienced batter Mohammad Rizwan. Rizwan was batting so slowly that his BBL team management of the Melbourne Renegades forcefully retired him off the pitch. It was the Renegades vs. Sydney Thunder BBL 2025-26 match at the ENGIE Stadium on January 12.

The rain-struck match took a surprising turn when Rizwan was called off from the field while he was batting on an individual 26 runs. The individual 26 runs might be decent for a T20 match, but in this format strike rate matters. Rizwan might be a good technical batter, but his tendency to maintain a slow run rate caused him trouble in the recent past. He has been struggling in the Twenty20 format for quite a long time now, including with the Pakistan cricket team.

Read More: Watch: Ajit Agarkar's expression after Rohit Sharma's gorgeous pull shot in IND vs NZ 1st ODI

Watch Mohammad Rizwan retiring out of the match 

🚨 BIGGEST SHAME FOR RIZWAN IN BBL 🚨

- Muhammad Rizwan has been retired out by the Melbourne Renegades. The signal comes from Sutherland to retire Rizwan out 😆

- Rizwan's ends with 26 off 23 balls - strike rate of 113 🔥

- What's your take 🤔pic.twitter.com/TjGvUtTpKb

— Richard Kettleborough (@RichKettle07) January 12, 2026

By the end of the 18th over of the Melbourne Renegades' innings, Mohammad Rizwan had scored 26 runs off 23 balls. However, as the overs were dwindling, Rizwan wasn't ready to bat quickly. With only two overs left, Rizwan was called back on the same score. In the first innings, the Melbourne Renegades managed to score only 170 runs in 20 overs.

With the DLS method, Thunder went on to win the match without any such contest in the second innings. Mohammad Rizwan has batted eight times in this BBL season, but he hasn't managed to score a half-century. His highest score this season is 41, which he made on January 4th. 

The 2025–26 Big Bash League began with huge expectations around Pakistan’s biggest cricketing names, but the much-hyped debuts of Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan and Shaheen Shah Afridi ended in disappointment, triggering mixed reactions from fans and experts alike.

Babar Azam’s BBL journey started under the spotlight on December 14, when he turned out for the Sydney Sixers against Perth Scorchers at Optus Stadium. Rain reduced the contest to an 11-overs-a-side affair, putting immediate pressure on batters to adapt. Opening the innings, Babar looked uncomfortable against the extra bounce and pace on offer. He managed just 2 runs from 5 balls before edging a delivery from debutant Brody Couch and being caught at mid-on. The early dismissal was a stark contrast to the excitement around his signing, with the Sixers even unveiling a special “Babaristan” fan zone to welcome their marquee recruit.

Challenging Australian conditions test Rizwan and Shaheen on debut

The following day, December 15, saw Mohammad Rizwan and Shaheen Afridi make their debuts in the clash between Melbourne Renegades and Brisbane Heat at Simonds Stadium, Geelong. Rizwan, batting at No. 3 for the Renegades, attempted to play more aggressively than usual but failed to find rhythm. He struggled for timing and scored only 4 runs off 10 deliveries before falling to spinner Paddy Dooley. Despite his lack of contribution, the Renegades piled up a massive 212/5, courtesy of a blistering century from Tim Seifert.

Shaheen Afridi’s outing with the ball was arguably the toughest. Drafted as Brisbane Heat’s No. 1 pick, the left-arm pacer began well but quickly lost control in the death overs. He bowled two dangerous waist-high beamers in the 18th over and was subsequently taken out of the attack. Shaheen ended with figures of 0/43 in just 2.4 overs, conceding runs through no-balls and wides as the batters went after him.

ALSO SEE: Star former RCB all-rounder set to replace injured Axar Patel in ongoing IND vs SA T20I series

These early struggles highlight how challenging Australian conditions can be, especially for players adjusting to bounce, pace and franchise pressure. While social media labelled it a “horrible start” for the Pakistan trio, many also called for patience. With the season just beginning, the spotlight now shifts to how quickly Babar, Rizwan and Shaheen can respond and turn promise into performance.

Twitter reacts as Pakistan stars endure nightmare BBL debuts

🚨INAUSPICIOUS START🚨

Babar Azam, Shaheen Afridi and Mohammad Rizwan made their BBL debuts over the last couple of days.

Babar - 2 (5)
Rizwan - 4 (10)
Shaheen - 0 (3) and 0/43 in 2.4 overs

😶😶#BBL15 pic.twitter.com/OeAwUPnXH3

— Cricbuzz (@cricbuzz) December 15, 2025

Pakistani Premium players on BBL debut.

Ling Boobzy - 2 runs off 5 balls.
Actor Rizwan - 4 runs off 10 balls.
Polio Bowler - 43 runs in 2.4 overs.

And they want to win World Cup 2026😭🙏 pic.twitter.com/suCOprg1hh

— Haydos🛡️ (@GovindIstOdraza) December 15, 2025

The Trio of Pakistan Looks off Color in BBL15 Opening Matches

Sixers, Babar 2 (5)
Renegades, Rizwan 4 (10)
Strikers, Shaheen 0-43

All three have a potential to Comeback stronger#BBL15 #shaheenafridi #rizwan #BabarAzam pic.twitter.com/mBGnOZvJ43

— Usman Khan (@usmann_khann) December 15, 2025

Pakistan’s premium pacer Shaheen Afridi on his BBL Debut 😬 pic.twitter.com/6d7aNp87Ck

— CRICKETNMORE (@cricketnmore) December 15, 2025

𝗡𝗢𝗧 𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗣𝗘𝗥𝗙𝗘𝗖𝗧 𝗦𝗧𝗔𝗥𝗧!

After Babar Azam failed in his debut match of the BBL, Another two big stars of Pakistan, Mohammad Rizwan and Shaheen Shah Afridi, also failed in their debut BBL game.#BBL15 | #Cricket | #GreenTeam | #OurGameOurPassion | #KhelKaJunoon pic.twitter.com/9MopwvJqsL

— Green Team (@GreenTeam1992) December 15, 2025

Pakistan superstars on BBL debut.

Babar Azam - 2 runs off 5 balls.
Muhammad Rizwan - 4 runs off 10 balls.
Shaheen Afridi - 43 runs in 2.4 overs.

Yrrr plzzz ab aglay matches main apni aur pakistan ki ezat bacha lena...#BabarAzam𓃵 #mrizwan #shaheenafridi pic.twitter.com/FlBRt4orrx

— Saadi (@Saadi_910) December 15, 2025

Three Pakistan stars struggle to shine on their BBL debut #BBL2025 pic.twitter.com/wnDWcGG9kb

— 𝑨𝙗𝒅𝙪𝒍𝙡𝒂𝙝 𝙎𝒖𝙡𝒕𝙖𝒏⁵⁶ (@Abdullahs_56) December 15, 2025

One of the special signings of the Big Bash League (BBL) 2025/26 was the Pakistan wicket-keeper batter and the former captain, Mohammad Rizwan, who got the chance to feature for the Melbourne Renegades, who faced Brisbane Heat in their opening clash at the Simonds Stadium in Geelong. He walked out at number three in the opening fixture of the competition.

On the opening day of the competition, Babar Azam, the former Pakistan captain and their best batter of the current generation, returned for just two runs in five balls, which was a disappointing start to the campaign. Mohammad Rizwan was expected to have a better show, but he failed to impress the franchise and the fans.

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On the fourth ball of the seventh over, Rizwan looked to sweep the good-length delivery from Pattrick Dooley over the square leg region, but he didn’t get the full elevation off the blade as the ball flew in the air. Max Bryant settled himself around the boundary rope and dismissed the right-handed batter for four runs in 10 balls at a strike rate of 40.

Mohammad Rizwan dismissed for 4 in BBL 2025/26 debut

Jake Fraser-McGurk, at number four, managed only 14 runs in seven runs at number four with one four and one six at a strike rate of 200. But Oliver Peake and Tim Seifert posted a strong 121-run partnership for the fourth wicket in just 54 balls, which provided them with firepower in the middle.

Watch the video here: 

Paddy Dooley gets the wicket of Muhammad Rizwan!

Having played one match previously for the Heat in BBL|11, it's a first wicket in teal for Dools in his comeback game 🩵 #BBL15 pic.twitter.com/6C0YaX2VTc

— KFC Big Bash League (@BBL) December 15, 2025

Peake nailed 57 runs in just 29 balls at a strike rate of around 196 with the help of six boundaries and three sixes, while Seifert celebrated a glorious knock of 102 runs in 56 balls at a strike rate of 182.14, smashing nine boundaries and six sixes as the Renegades finished on 212/5 in their allotted 20 overs.

Jack Wildermuth was at the peak of the bowlers with figures of 3/34 in four overs. Shaheen Shah Afridi went through a terrible day with the ball as he was taken off the attack with two beamers, as he ended with figures of 0/43 in 2.4 overs.

The 2025/26 season of the Big Bash League (BBL) featured a strong and long list of Pakistan players who were picked by various franchises in the draft. Three of the seven players collected platinum category selections in the opening round. It began with the Brisbane Heat selecting the left-arm pacer, Shaheen Shah Afridi, as their first pick.

It added a different firepower to the Heat’s team as they will have four secure over which can be used in the powerplay, middle, or the death overs. Melbourne Stars retained their premier pacer, Harris Rauf, through the retention mode after he was picked by Adelaide Strikers.

See Also: Know full schedule, squads, and live streaming of ACC Men’s U-19 Asia Cup 2025

Meanwhile, the former ODI captain and the wicket-keeper batter of the Pakistan side, Mohammad Rizwan, was drafted by Melbourne Renegades- this marks his debut in the league. Later, the rounds saw more Pakistan talents getting picked by their franchises.

List of Pakistan players picked in upcoming Big Bash League (BBL) 2025-26

Babar Azam will turn up for the Sydney Sixers in the BBL 2025/26. If schedule works out as anticipated, then he could end up opening the batting for the Pink side along with Steve Smith, who may play a few games after the end of the ongoing Ashes 2025/26. Smith was in excellent touch with the bat in the last edition.

The leg spin all-rounder of the side, Shadab Khan, was picked by the Sydney Thunder. He was expected to share the same dressing room with the former spin all-rounder of India, Ravichandran Ashwin, who, however, was later ruled out of the tournament with a knee injury.

The pace bowling all-rounder, Hasan Ali, will move to Adelaide for the upcoming event, while Hassan Khan will be partnering Rizwan for the Melbourne Renegades side. The event will begin on December 14 between the Sixers and Perth Scorchers at the Optus Stadium in Perth.

List of Pakistan players and their teams in BBL 2025/26