WATCH: Mohammad Rizwan retired out during BBL 15 clash

He becomes first Pakistan players to be dismissed in this fashion

Melbourne Renegades on Monday controversially retired Mohammad Rizwan during their Big Bash League (BBL) 15 clash against Sydney Thunder, triggering strong reactions from fans during the 33rd match of the tournament at Sydney Showground Stadium.

The Pakistan wicketkeeper-batter was called back to the pavilion midway through the Renegades’ innings to make way for captain Will Sutherland, a rare tactical move known as being “retired out” under modern T20 playing conditions.

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A video released by the Big Bash League on social media showed Sutherland signalling Rizwan to leave the field, a moment that quickly went viral.

Read: Babar, Rizwan face axe from T20s

The decision sparked widespread criticism online, with fans describing the episode as humiliating for the right-handed batter. Social media platforms were flooded with reactions questioning the handling of an international star in Australia’s premier T20 competition.

Mohammad Rizwan has endured a difficult BBL 15 season with the bat, managing 167 runs in eight matches at an average of 20.88, without scoring a half-century. His struggles prompted the Renegades’ management to opt for a tactical change as they looked to accelerate their innings.

Batting first, Melbourne Renegades posted 170 for 8 in their allotted 20 overs. Hassan Khan top-scored with 46 off 31 balls, striking one four and four sixes, while openers Josh Brown and Tim Seifert contributed 35 and 29 runs respectively. For Sydney Thunder, the bowling attack was led by David Willey, Ryan Hadley and Wes Agar, who picked up two wickets each to restrict the Renegades to a competitive total.