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Pakistan's T20 World Cup 2009-winning wicketkeeper-batter Kamran Akmal wants former captain Mohammad Rizwan to fly back home after he was retired out in the ongoing Big Bash League (BBL) 2025-26. Akmal wants Rizwan to take a stand against Melbourne Renegades for retiring him out when he was batting on 26 off 23 balls. He gave Pakistan’s T20 World Cup 2009-winning captain Younis Khan’s example. He claims Younis left the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2008 midway because he was benched by Rajasthan Royals (RR) who eventually went on the inaugural edition.
“We have spoken at length on various shows and on YouTube about how Babar and Rizwan need to improve their strike rates. What happened to Rizwan has not only led to mockery across the world but has also created a sense of humiliation. Some people are even saying that Rizwan should leave the league and return home. During the first season of the IPL, Younis Khan was kept on the bench while playing alongside you for the Rajasthan Royals. He famously said, ‘I am the captain of Pakistan; I will not sit on the bench. You must send me back with respect.’ We have seen players stand up for themselves like that,” Akmal said while speaking on GTV Sports.
In his debut BBL season, Rizwan has scored 167 runs from eight games at an average of 20.87 and strike rate of 101.82. He has managed to hit just one six, that too in the eighth innings.
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Akmal expects Rizwan to adapt
While Akmal feels that Rizwan shouldn’t have been retired out, he understands that there is a need for the wicketkeeper-batter to change his mindset and adapt to the fast-paced nature of the T20 leagues.
“Absolutely, I also believe this should not have happened; he is our top player and a proven performer. However, you have to understand how fast-paced these leagues have become. Every country is now following the modern approach to cricket, so it is vital for players to develop themselves accordingly. Rizwan has been playing with the same mindset since the beginning of his T20 career. In Australia, the game is viewed through a specific tactical lens. We have seen similar moves being made in leagues like the ILT20 and the IPL,” he added.
Rizwan’s wait for T20I return continues
Meanwhile, Rizwan has not been picked for Pakistan’s squad for T20 World Cup 2026. His last T20I appearance was as captain against South Africa in December 2024. He managed to score just 11 runs from 13 deliveries. Since then, Pakistan have moved on from him. They have opted for Sahibzada Farhan, Saim Ayub as their openers with Fakhar Zaman in the mix as well. Babar Azam made a brief return but he is unlikely to play T20 World Cup as well. Babar is currently struggling to score at a rapid pace for Sydney Sixers in the BBL.
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