After 152 Balls and Late Six, Mohammad Rizwan Retired Out in BBL History First Overseas

Pakistan wicketkeeper-batter Mohammad Rizwan etched his name into the record books during a dramatic Big Bash League (BBL) encounter, becoming the first overseas batter to be retired out in the tournament’s history. The unusual moment came after Rizwan finally struck a six following 152 deliveries, a statistic that stunned fans and analysts alike.

The incident occurred during a tightly contested match where every run mattered. Rizwan, known globally for his consistency and calm presence at the crease, struggled to accelerate against disciplined bowling and a well-set field. Despite spending a significant amount of time at the crease, his scoring rate remained under pressure, placing strain on the batting side during the death overs.

After eventually clearing the boundary with a much-delayed six, the team management made a tactical decision to retire Rizwan out, allowing a more explosive batter to take his place. Under modern cricket laws, retiring a batter out is permitted but remains rare—especially at the professional level and almost unheard of in leagues like the BBL.

The decision sparked immediate debate across the cricketing world. Some experts defended the move as a necessary tactical call in a fast-paced T20 format, where strike rate often outweighs time spent at the crease. Others questioned whether retiring a player of Rizwan’s experience could impact morale and confidence, especially given his reputation as a match-winner.

Former players and commentators highlighted that T20 cricket continues to evolve, with teams increasingly willing to make bold decisions to maximize results. “This shows how ruthless modern franchise cricket has become,” one analyst noted. “Reputation doesn’t guarantee immunity anymore.”

Rizwan’s innings, though statistically slow, was not without context. The pitch reportedly offered uneven bounce, and bowlers executed tight lines, making stroke-play difficult. However, with required run rates climbing, the team opted for urgency over stability.

Social media quickly reacted to the historic moment. Fans were divided, with some praising the innovation and others expressing disappointment at seeing an international star exited in such a manner. Cricket historians pointed out that while retired-out dismissals have occurred in domestic cricket before, Rizwan’s case stands out due to the scale of the league and his overseas status.

Despite the controversy, Rizwan remained composed post-match, reportedly supporting the team’s decision and emphasizing collective success over individual milestones. His professionalism earned praise, even from critics of the tactical move.

The moment may prove influential beyond a single match. As leagues like the BBL continue to prioritize speed and adaptability, Rizwan’s retirement could become a reference point for future tactical decisions.

One thing is certain: Mohammad Rizwan’s 152-ball six and subsequent retirement has added a unique chapter to BBL history, reinforcing how rapidly modern cricket continues to change.