KARACHI: Former Pakistan cricketer Kamran Akmal has expressed disappointment over the retirement of national wicket-keeper batsman Mohammad Rizwan in the ongoing Big Bash League (PPL) 2025-26.
At the end of the 18th over of the Melbourne Renegades’ innings against home team Sydney Thunder, Rizwan, unbeaten on 26 off 23 balls with 2 fours and a six, was recalled to the pavilion by captain Will Sutherland.
As the video went viral on social media, fans reacted strongly to the right-handed batsman being forced to retire, calling it a disgrace.
Rizwan has struggled with the bat in the ongoing tournament, scoring 167 runs at an average of 20.88 in eight matches without a half-century.
Meanwhile, former wicketkeeper Batter Akmal, who represented Pakistan in 53 Tests, 157 ODIs and 58 T20Is, admitted discomfort with the Renegades captain’s tactical decision but stressed the fast-paced nature and short format of franchise league cricket.
“Definitely. I also hope it doesn’t happen; he is our best player and proven. You have to realize how fast these leagues are. Every country is following the modern approach of cricket now, so it’s important to develop yourself accordingly,” Akmal said during an interview with a local news channel.
“Rizwan has been playing with the same mentality since he started in T20s. In Australia they look at the game through a certain lens. We have seen similar tactical moves in ILT20 and IPL,” he added.
He further pointed to Rizwan’s approach towards the shorter format and his recent struggles, which did not go well for selection in the national team.
“I have been saying for three or four years that the way he is playing will make the future very difficult. Modern cricket moves at a faster pace and you have to adapt. It shouldn’t have happened to our great player and the Pakistan captain, but he has given them a reason for that call in a way.”