BBL 2025-26: ‘He is Pakistan’s top player’ – Kamran Akmal on Mohammad Rizwan’s controversial retire-out episode

The ongoing Big Bash League has once again found itself at the centre of debate, this time for a bizarre on-field action during the recent clash between Melbourne Renegades and Sydney Thunder. A controversial retire-out involving Pakistani cricketer Mohammad Rizwan during the match has sparked widespread backlash, particularly among the fans and former cricketers back home.

Rizwan, representing the Renegades, was asked to retire himself out in a high-pressure moment, a decision that quickly became a flashpoint for criticism. Many supporters viewed the move as humiliating, with calls emerging for the Pakistan batter to leave the tournament midway.

Meanwhile, former Pakistan wicketkeeper-batter Kamran Akmal added his voice to the discussion. Akmal acknowledged the discomfort of the situation, while also offering a broader perspective on the evolution of modern T20 cricket. However, Akmal also stressed that franchise leagues operate under a different tactical framework, where teams often prioritize momentum and scoring rate over individual reputation.

“Absolutely. I also believe this should not happen; he is our top player and a proven performer. You have to realize how fast these leagues are. Every country is now following the modern-day approach to cricket, so it is vital to develop yourself accordingly. Rizwan has been playing with the same mindset since he started in T20s. In Australia, they view the game through a specific lens. We have seen similar tactical moves in the ILT20 and the IPL,” he told via GTV Sports.

Akmal further pointed out that Rizwan’s struggles in the shortest format have been evident for some time. After being left out of Pakistan’s recent T20 plans, the BBL stint was considered an opportunity for the star cricketer to rediscover form, but the episode instead reignited questions around his approach in the modern-day format.

“I have been saying for three or four years that the way he is playing will make the future very difficult. Modern-day cricket is moving at a rapid pace, and you must adapt. It should not have happened to our best player and the Pakistan captain, but he has, in a sense, given them a reason to make that call,” Akmal remarked.

Despite the tactical decision, the retire-out had little impact on the outcome. Melbourne Renegades posted 170 before rain reduced the chase to 140. A four-wicket haul from Gurinder Sandhu proved insufficient as Sydney Thunder chased down the revised target with four balls to spare, sealing a four-wicket win at the Sydney Showground Stadium.