Tag: Mohammad Rizwan

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.

Australian former cricketer Aaron Finch has lifted the lid on Mohammad Rizwan’s relentless chatter behind the stumps, praising the Pakistan wicketkeeper as a player who brings far more than just talent to the Big Bash League (BBL). 

Speaking on a recent podcast, Finch didn’t mince words about Rizwan’s vocal presence on the field. “Mohammad Rizwan never shuts up behind the stumps, but seriously talented,” Finch said with evident admiration.

The former Australian captain revealed that young gun Jake Fraser-McGurk has already absorbed valuable lessons from the Pakistani star despite spending just a few days with him.

“I was talking to Jake Fraser-McGurk earlier at a shoot that we’re doing together, and I know we’re going to chat to him soon, but he was talking about what he’s learned off Rizwan already in the couple of days that he’s been here,” Finch explained.

Rizwan is currently in Australia for the BBL. Finch emphasized that the real value lies in the knowledge these international stars pass on to Australia’s emerging players.

“It’s incredible what it means, not for the players to be involved themselves, but for our players to learn as much as they can,” Finch added.

Finch reserved praise for the caliber of Pakistani players joining the competition this season.

“They’re not just Pakistan players, they’re Pakistan superstars, they’re global superstars. That’s so important to our game because they’re such great players,” he said.

“I think that that is so important that that knowledge is passed on and that’s why having internationals is so crucial in our game,” Finch stressed.

Among the Pakistani contingent, Babar Azam’s arrival at the Sydney Thunder generated significant excitement.

Finch reflected on his own battles against the former Pakistan captain, describing him as nearly impossible to dismiss.

“You’ve got one of the best players that I’ve ever played against. I played against Babar in Pakistan, and it was almost impossible to get him out,” Finch recalled. “I know he’s been a little bit more quiet in the last 18 months, but he’s a world-beater at his very best.”

Babar Azam stands as the headline name for Pakistan at this BBL. Sydney Thunder signed him ahead of the season.

Babar has expressed excitement about playing in Australia and said he looks forward to learning from and playing alongside great players at the Thunder.

In total, seven Pakistani players feature in this year’s BBL season. Alongside Rizwan and Babar are Shaheen Shah Afridi (Brisbane Heat), Haris Rauf (Melbourne Stars), Shadab Khan (Sydney Thunder), Hasan Ali (Adelaide Strikers), and Usama Mir (Melbourne Renegades).

Pakistan wicketkeeper-batter Mohammad Rizwan has not signed a central contract and has raised serious concerns with the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB).

According to reports, the PCB had offered central contracts to 30 national players. Rizwan, along with ten others, was placed in the B category, while no player was included in the A category this time.

Reports said Rizwan expressed concern over his downgrade from the A to B category and raised several questions before the board.

Rizwan asked the PCB why he was demoted in the first place, on what criteria the central contracts were designed, and whether his demotion was based on performance. 

He also questioned the transparency of the entire process, seeking clarity on how the categories were determined.

The wicketkeeper-batter has not yet signed the central contract, while all other players have already done so.

Reports further said the PCB has not yet responded to Rizwan’s queries, and there is no confirmation about when the issue will be resolved.

Pakistan’s wicketkeeper-batter Mohammad Rizwan has refused to sign a central contract and placed several demands before the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB).

According to reports, the board offered central contracts to 30 national players, with Rizwan included in the B category along with nine others. Interestingly, no player was placed in the A category this time.

While all other cricketers have signed their contracts, Rizwan has held back, making specific demands that the board has reportedly rejected.

Reports added that the PCB has no plans to accept Rizwan’s conditions at the moment.

Pakistan cricket team captain Muhammad Rizwan has shared a heartfelt message urging unity, courage, and faith as tensions continue to escalate between Pakistan and India. Speaking in a moment of national concern, he reminded people of the strength and resilience that have always defined Pakistan.

Taking to X, Rizwan wrote: “We have learned from the holy words of Allah that you should not start a war, but if a war is forced upon you, then do not back down.”

“Pakistan has long been a victim of terrorism. Our generations have grown up listening to the sound of bullets and the echoes of blasts,” he added.

Rizwan also paid tribute to the martyrs, adding, “This soil is soaked with the blood of martyrs. And even today, there are young men alive here who love death the way some people love life.”

He wrote: “Such a nation can never be defeated. Every war imposed on them only brings them closer, makes them more aware, and strengthens them. This message is for all those who can understand.”

He ended his message by urging people to remain strong and keep their faith: “We must stay strong. We must have faith. We should neither commit injustice nor tolerate it.”

Rizwan’s message came after May 7 Indian airstrikes targeted multiple areas in Pakistan, including Kotli, Bahawalpur, Muridke, Bagh, and Muzaffarabad. At least 31 civilians were martyred, and more than 40 were injured.

In response, the Pakistan Air Force shot down six Indian aircraft, including three Rafale jets.

The situation remains tense, with both nations on high alert as the world watches closely.

Pakistan’s ODI team and Multan Sultans captain, Mohammad Rizwan, has said that he doesn’t know English and regrets not completing his education, but he is not ashamed of the fact that he cannot speak English despite being the captain of Pakistan.

Speaking at a press conference in Karachi, Rizwan addressed several topics, including the Pakistan Super League. He stated, “I am proud that whatever I say, I say it from the heart.”

He added, “I can’t speak English. I only regret that I couldn’t pursue higher education, but I am not ashamed that I’m Pakistan’s captain and I can’t speak English.”

The Multan Sultans skipper emphasised that his primary job is to play cricket, not to speak English. “The demand from me is to play cricket, not to speak English.”

He further said, “My Pakistan expects cricket from me, not English. If it needed English, I’d become a professor and come back after learning it.”

Rizwan also commented on the perception of his language skills, saying, “Most of the time, I feel I can speak enough English to explain myself to a foreigner.” He added that he is able to communicate with an English-speaking person -perhaps even “confuse” them a bit – but emphasised, “He won’t have any issue with my English; only those who want to stay upset with me will have a problem.”

The national team captain addressed critics, urging them to be constructive, saying, “Criticise the Pakistan team, but also help improve it. Tell us how to do better.”

He continued, “It’s painful when someone only criticises without offering any solutions. Recently, in the Champions Trophy match, Wasim Akram gave some valuable advice. I wanted to talk more with him, but there wasn’t enough time.”

“If someone criticises and teaches us something, it’s a good thing. But it hurts when people just criticise without explaining. Tomorrow, when we become seniors, if we only criticise, then juniors will also have every right to be upset with us,” he said.

Answering a question, Rizwan said, “Even the most successful people in the world were called crazy at first. Later, everyone follows them. Those who can’t tolerate criticism can never achieve anything.”

He also acknowledged the fans’ emotions and passion.

“It’s fair for fans to be upset. It’s their right because they love us. The Pakistan Super League has given a lot to Pakistan, and now it’s time for everyone to enjoy this league,” Rizwan said.

Pakistan cricket team’s wicketkeeper-batsman and Multan Sultans’ captain Mohammad Rizwan has admitted that maintaining a strong record at the international level is challenging, owing to the immense pressure that comes with it.

During a press conference in Lahore, Rizwan stated, “Fans had high expectations, but the national team did not perform as expected. Cricket fans do get upset. For me, past performances are just the past; I do not dwell on them. Whether my past performances were good or bad, I do not hold onto them. If I stay in the past, everything in the future will be lost.”

Rizwan further added, “Everyone knows what is happening and what is not. The selection committee has its authority, the captain has his own, while the PCB chairman is the one to whom everyone is answerable.”

At the same event, fast bowler and Lahore Qalandars’ captain, Shaheen Afridi, emphasised the importance of continuous learning. “Every day is an opportunity to learn; one should not remain stuck in the past. I am excited about the young players in Lahore Qalandars. Mistakes happen to everyone, but we will enjoy the PSL,” he said.

Shaheen further highlighted the significance of supporting the Pakistan Super League, stating, “PSL is our own league, and it needs support. Haris Rauf is a product of PSL. Players first compete in domestic cricket and then earn their place in the league.”

Fast bowler Hasan Ali also shared his insights on successful team strategies in the PSL. “The team that plays well in the powerplay has a higher chance of winning. Karachi Kings have focused on selecting quality fast bowlers,” he noted.

Peshawar Zalmi’s captain and star batter, Babar Azam, spoke about the competitive balance in the tournament. “All franchises in PSL are well-balanced. Every franchise strives to build the best possible squad,” he said.

As the PSL 10 season approaches, captains and players are setting the tone for an exciting and competitive tournament, hoping to deliver performances that will satisfy cricket fans worldwide.

Despite Pakistan’s poor performance against New Zealand in the ODI series, captain Mohammad Rizwan is set to meet Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi to demand more authority, media reports have claimed.

According to reports, Rizwan and star batter Babar Azam will meet the PCB chairman in the coming days, and will also discuss their exclusion from the T20I series against New Zealand.

Reports further claimed that despite Pakistan’s poor performance, Rizwan wants to strengthen his position by gaining additional powers. If his request is denied, he might consider resigning from captaincy.

A senior PCB official, speaking anonymously to the media, revealed that Rizwan and Babar were disappointed by the selectors’ decision to drop them from the five-match T20I series in New Zealand. The duo will raise this matter with the PCB chairman, especially after the management and selection committee opted to test younger players under the leadership of new captain Agha Salman.

Reports also claimed that sources close to Rizwan had confirmed the development.

Following the series loss, Rizwan, during the post-match presentation, said, “I cannot comment on team changes, as it is not my job. Just like in the ODIs, I did not have full control over things. We were unaware of the decisions regarding the T20 team selection, but we accepted them.”

Additionally, reports claimed that Rizwan had a disagreement with head coach Aaqib Javed over team selection for the first two ODIs. Rizwan preferred playing four frontline bowlers while completing the remaining ten overs with part-time bowlers Agha Salman and Irfan Khan. 

However, Aaqib Javed wanted to field five regular bowlers. Rizwan’s decision backfired, as the part-timers conceded 118 runs in total, which proved costly for Pakistan.

Pakistan cricket team captain Mohammad Rizwan has expressed confidence in his team’s chances at the ICC Champions Trophy. He also confirmed that Babar Azam will open the innings.

Speaking at a press conference on Tuesday in Karachi, Rizwan said, “We are optimistic about winning the Champions Trophy. Babar Azam is our strongest player for the opening slot, and he will open the innings, but it is not necessary for him to do so against New Zealand.”

The captain provided an update on pacer Haris Rauf, who was injured during the recent tri-series, clarifying that “Haris is bowling with full energy in practice. He has declared himself fit and assured us that he is not experiencing any discomfort while bowling.”

Rizwan also emphasised the importance of teamwork and shared responsibility among all players. “We are playing as a team, and for me, all 15 players are captains. But senior players carry more responsibility for performance. We have different options, and we make decisions based on conditions. We are working on correcting our mistakes.”

The Pakistan captain also highlighted the significance of hosting an ICC event after nearly three decades. “Pakistan is hosting an ICC event after 29 years. During this time, we have achieved many successes. We have won the Champions Trophy and have been the number-one Test team. There should be no doubts about our abilities. The entire nation should enjoy the Champions Trophy,” he said.

Discussing team strategy, Rizwan stated, “On match day, we focus on eliminating any shortcomings. We are in learning mode, and our playing XI will be selected according to home conditions.”

Defending the decision to bat first in the tri-series final against New Zealand despite the loss, he explained, “We chose to bat first in the final to identify our weaknesses. We targeted our shortcomings in that game and hope to correct them in the upcoming matches. Moving forward, we need to play our best cricket.”

Acknowledging areas for improvement, Rizwan noted, “In some areas, we need to improve our professionalism. In the future, we need a full-time opener. There are players in Pakistan from whom we have high expectations.”

When asked about any potential surprises in the upcoming match, he responded, “No player can be perfect. We don’t plan on doing anything drastically different in tomorrow’s match.”

Pakistan lost two matches against New Zealand in the tri-series, including the final. Their first match of the Champions Trophy will also be against the Kiwis tomorrow (Wednesday).