Renegades Captain & Coach Apologizes After Retiring Mohammad Rizwan Mid-Innings

MELBOURNE, 15 January 2026 – Melbourne Renegades captain Will Sutherland and head coach have issued a formal apology to Pakistan wicketkeeper-batter Mohammad Rizwan following a controversial decision to retire him out during a Big Bash League (BBL) match.

Controversial Decision During BBL Match

The unusual incident occurred during a tense phase of the game when Rizwan, struggling to accelerate the run rate, was asked to leave the field despite being not out. Rizwan had scored 26 runs off 23 balls, including two boundaries and a six, but a nine-ball stretch without scoring prompted concerns from the Renegades’ dugout.

Sutherland made the bold move to retire Rizwan out and send another batter in. The decision immediately drew widespread criticism on social media, with fans and cricket analysts debating whether it was justified.

Apology from Renegades Leadership

After the match, captain Will Sutherland acknowledged his regret. “The match was in a thrilling stage, emotions were high, and I am ashamed of my behavior. You are a quality player and well respected by fans,” he said.

The Renegades’ management also personally apologized to Rizwan for the way the situation was handled. The gesture has helped ease tensions and reinforced Rizwan’s status as an experienced international cricketer.

Rizwan Responds, Rejects Exit Rumours

Rizwan clarified that reports about him leaving the BBL early are “baseless and false.” He confirmed his commitment to the Melbourne Renegades and assured fans he will remain available for selection.

Speaking respectfully about the incident, Rizwan said:

“It is my responsibility to follow the captain’s decision. In cricket, the captain is the leader on the field. His decision must be accepted according to the match situation.”

He added that both the captain and head coach thanked him for his professionalism and apologized for the handling of the moment. Rizwan stated: “I have no complaints,” signaling his focus remains on helping the team succeed.

The incident reignited discussions around T20 strike rates, pressure decisions, and team strategy versus player respect. Some former players and cricket analysts argued the decision was tactical, while fans remained divided.

Despite the controversy, Rizwan’s composed response has been widely praised, showing his experience and maturity in handling pressure situations.