What happened to Mohammad Rizwan has not only led to mockery across the world but has also created a sense of humiliation: Kamran Akmal

Former Pakistan keeper-batter Kamran Akmal has requested Mohammad Rizwan to return to Pakistan from the ongoing Big Bash League (BBL) in Australia. For the unversed, Rizwan is currently plying his trade for the Melbourne Renegades franchise in the ongoing campaign. 

Speaking about his BBL 2025-26 numbers, Rizwan managed to score only 170 runs from nine innings at an average of 18.88 and a strike rate of 101.19, with the highest score of 41. Moreover, Rizwan was also asked to retire out mid-way during the match against Sydney Thunder after scoring 26 off 23 balls.

After this decision, Rizwan faced a lot of criticism and trolling on social media. Akmal went on to give an example of former Pakistan captain Younis Khan from IPL 2008, when he was benched and requested Rizwan to stand up for himself.

“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 told GTV Sports.

“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.

Interestingly, Rizwan is currently out of Pakistan’s T20I squad, having last featured in the shortest format of the game in 2024 during the South Africa tour. Moreover, his chances of making it to the ICC T20 World Cup 2026 squad also remain bleak.

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