Mohammad Rizwan’s difficult Big Bash League (BBL) season took an embarrassing turn when Melbourne Renegades captain Will Sutherland retired him out during their clash against Sydney Thunder on Sunday.
The decision came in Rizwan’s 300th T20 match as the Renegades attempted to boost their scoring rate in the final overs and keep their playoff hopes alive.
The team has not officially cited a reason for the retirement, while Rizwan showed no signs of injury.
After Thunder put the Renegades in to bat at Sydney Showground Stadium, Rizwan walked in at number four following a solid start. The top order had scored 83/2 in 9.1 overs, setting up a platform for a competitive total.
Muhammad Rizwan has been retired out by the Melbourne Renegades #BBL15 pic.twitter.com/AuTGoTIHqb
— KFC Big Bash League (@BBL) January 12, 2026
However, the Pakistani wicketkeeper batter struggled to maintain momentum when the team needed him most. He managed only 26 runs off 23 balls, hitting two fours and a six before Sutherland called him back to the pavilion at the end of the 17th over with 12 balls remaining and the score at 154.
The gamble backfired. The Renegades added just 16 more runs and lost four wickets in the final 12 balls, finishing at 170/8. Sutherland himself fell after Hassan Khan’s straight drive deflected off bowler Daniel Sams’ fingers, running the captain out for 1 off 1.
While the Renegades have not provided an official explanation for retiring Rizwan out, observers on social media widely attributed the decision to his slow strike rate during a crucial phase when the team needed quick runs.
Social media erupted with reactions. “Very good call by Melbourne team,” one fan wrote, while another added sarcastically, “And results replacement made 01 run… wahoo.”
Another user highlighted the collapse: “After Rizwan, last 12 balls and 10 runs and 4 wickets down.” While one user call this moment, “Embarrassing.”
The 33-year-old joined the Renegades hoping to rediscover his form and secure a spot in Pakistan’s T20 World Cup 2026 squad. He last represented Pakistan in T20Is in December 2024.
Instead, things have gone from bad to worse. Rizwan has scored just 167 runs in eight innings at a poor strike rate of 101.82. His best score stands at 41 off 38 balls against city rivals Melbourne Stars.
The team has won only three of seven matches and sits seventh on the table with six points.