Social media fans slam Rizwan’s tactical exit, question call to pull back Pakistan star

SYDNEY: Mohammad Rizwan’s tactical retirement didn’t stay confined to the boundary ropes, as social media erupted with criticism over the decision to call back the Pakistan batter mid-innings.

The moment Rizwan was retired after a scratchy 26, fans flooded social platforms, expressing shock and frustration at what many described as an unnecessary and harsh call. For supporters, the issue wasn’t just the slow scoring rate — it was the optics of pulling back a senior Pakistan international in full public view.

“This is how you treat one of the most consistent batters in world cricket?” one fan posted, while another wrote, “You back overseas players for big moments, not send them off like this.”

A large section of fans argued that Rizwan’s role was being misunderstood. They felt he was attempting to steady the innings and could have accelerated later, as he has done countless times in international cricket. Some questioned whether the decision would have been made if the batter at the crease was a local player rather than an overseas Pakistan star.

The debate quickly took on a broader tone, with users calling the move “disrespectful” and “demoralising,” warning that such decisions could discourage international players from expressing themselves freely in franchise leagues. Clips of Rizwan’s subdued walk back to the dugout circulated widely, adding fuel to the criticism.

While a few voices defended the call as a cold but calculated T20 tactic, the overwhelming sentiment online leaned toward disapproval. Fans felt the Renegades crossed a line between strategy and trust, choosing urgency over faith in proven quality.

As the dust settles, the episode has become more than just a tactical footnote. For many fans, Rizwan’s exit symbolised the growing tension in modern T20 cricket — where even elite players can be sidelined in an instant, and where decisions are judged as fiercely online as they are on the field.