Kamran Akmal Calls Rizwan’s Retired Out Dismissal Unacceptable

Former wicketkeeper-batter of Pakistan, Kamran Akmal, has come out in support of Mohammad Rizwan amid the recent BBL controversy. After Rizwan was strategically retired out in the game between Melbourne Renegades and Sydney Thunder, fans began to question the methods of Renegades in the final overs. The captain, Will Sutherland, called Mohammad Rizwan back to the pavilion, as the latter was struggling to hit quick boundaries towards the end of the innings.

Speaking about the incident, Kamran Akmal said that the decision to retire out Mohammad Rizwan is unfortunate and should not have happened. He added that Rizwan should also realize how fast league cricket is becoming around the world, needing quick runs and boundaries to lift the scoring rate.

"Absolutely. I also believe this should not happen; he is our top player and a proven performer. You have to realise how fast these leagues are. Every country is now following the modern-day approach to cricket, so it is vital to develop yourself accordingly," said Kamran Akmal while speaking to the media.

He added that Mohammad Rizwan has been playing with a defensive mindset for many years, so he needs to bring new changes to his game.

"Rizwan has been playing with the same mindset since he started in T20s. In Australia, they view the game through a specific lens. We have seen similar tactical moves in the ILT20 and the IPL," added Kamran Akmal.

The former wicketkeeper-batter then said that Rizwan should change his approach in modern T20 cricket, as the game is evolving quite rapidly. He is undoubtedly one of the best players of Pakistan, but his performance in that match compelled the team to take that unfortunate decision.

"I have been saying for three or four years that the way he is playing will make the future very difficult. Modern-day cricket is moving at a rapid pace, and you must adapt. It should not have happened to our best player and the Pakistan captain, but he has, in a sense, given them a reason to make that call," concluded Kamran Akmal.