Nightmare BBL Continues for Mohammad Rizwan as Melbourne Renegades Retire Him Out Mid-Innings
The ongoing Big Bash League (BBL) 2025–26 has turned into a major setback for Pakistan and Melbourne Renegades batter Mohammad Rizwan. Entering the tournament with a clear objective of reviving his T20 credentials and pushing for a place in Pakistan’s T20 World Cup plans, Rizwan’s campaign has instead been marred by inconsistency and growing scrutiny.
The defining moment came during the clash against Sydney Thunder, when Rizwan struggled to accelerate and managed only 26 runs off 23 deliveries. With the Renegades desperate for late momentum, captain Will Sutherland made the bold call to retire Rizwan out, sending him back to the dugout midway through his innings.
Despite the tactical move, Melbourne Renegades could only post 170/8. The total proved insufficient as the Thunder chased successfully under the DLS method, compounding a forgettable night for both Rizwan and his side. The incident has intensified speculation around Rizwan’s future in the Renegades’ playing XI as the tournament progresses.
Retired Out Trend in 2026: Full List So Far
| Batter | Team | Opposition | Runs Scored | Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mohammad Rizwan | Melbourne Renegades | Sydney Thunder | 26 off 23 | Jan 12 |
| Timothy Pringle | Northern Districts | Canterbury | 5 off 12 | Jan 8 |
| Roston Chase | Pretoria Capitals | Durban’s Super Giants | 24 off 15 | Jan 7 |
| Jeet Raval | Northern Districts | Otago | 23 off 28 | Jan 4 |
| Xavier Bell | Northern Districts | Otago | 9 off 13 | Jan 4 |
| Nic Maddinson | Sydney Thunder | Hobart Hurricanes | 30 off 26 | Jan 3 |
Rizwan became the latest high-profile name on this list as team management opted for urgency over reputation. Meanwhile, Timothy Pringle, Xavier Bell, and Jeet Raval were retired out during New Zealand’s Super Smash, while Roston Chase and Nic Maddinson faced the same fate in SA20 and BBL respectively.
Rizwan’s BBL 2025–26 Season in Numbers
The Renegades invested heavily in Rizwan, expecting stability and experience at the top. However, after eight matches, the returns have been underwhelming. Rizwan has scored just 167 runs at a strike rate slightly above 100, with only one six to his name—numbers that reflect his difficulty in adapting to Australian conditions.
The decision to retire him out against the Thunder may well signal dwindling patience from the management and raises serious questions about his role going forward.
What “Retired Out” Means for Rizwan’s Pakistan Future
Rizwan remains Pakistan’s first-choice wicketkeeper in Tests and ODIs, but his T20I position has been uncertain for some time. Since being dropped from the Asia Cup setup, opportunities have been limited. The BBL was meant to be a platform for redemption.
Instead, inconsistent performances and the high-profile retired-out episode have further dented his case. With Rizwan already missing from Pakistan’s provisional T20 World Cup plans, this BBL stint could mark a turning point—potentially closing the door on his T20I future altogether unless a dramatic turnaround follows.
Bottom line: Rizwan’s BBL gamble has backfired, and with pressure mounting on all fronts, the coming weeks may define the trajectory of his T20 career.
