BBL Sees Embarrassing Moment as Rizwan Is Called Back by Captain for Slow Batting
Melbourne: An unusual and controversial moment unfolded in the Big Bash League (BBL) when Pakistan wicketkeeper-batter Mohammad Rizwan was retired out due to slow batting during a match.
The incident occurred in the 33rd match of BBL Season 15 on Monday, when Melbourne Renegades faced Sydney Thunder. Rizwan was at the crease, having scored 26 runs off 23 balls, when Renegades captain Will Sutherland signaled him to leave the field mid-innings.
The decision surprised fans and commentators alike, as Rizwan was reportedly retired out for his slow scoring rate to allow the captain himself to come in and accelerate the innings. A video shared by the BBL on social media clearly shows Sutherland asking Rizwan to walk back to the pavilion, prompting commentators to remark that the decision could have been taken earlier.
The clip quickly went viral, triggering strong reactions from cricket fans, many of whom termed the move inappropriate and embarrassing for a player of Rizwan’s stature.
It is worth noting that Mohammad Rizwan has struggled to find his rhythm with the bat in the ongoing BBL season. He has scored 167 runs in eight matches at an average of 20.88 and has yet to register a half-century.
In the same match, Sydney Thunder went on to secure a four-wicket victory under the DLS method.
