STAR wicketkeeper-batter Mohammad Rizwan withdrew from the highly anticipated Big Bash League just days before the draft.
But why has the cricketer withdrawn and has he played in the competition before?
AFPMohammad Rizwan arrives at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium in Kandy on September 1, 2023[/caption]
Why has Mohammad Rizwan withdrawn from the Big Bash League draft?
Mohammad Rizwan was reportedly set to be one of the platinum picks in the Big Bash League draft, which took place on September 3 in Australia.
However, his commitments to the Pakistan national cricket team, which would have clashed with the Big Bash League, have led to availability issues.
He was a highly sought after player, with his ability to anchor an innings and score at pace making him one of the most valuable players in franchise cricket around the world, but pulled out of the league at the last minute and won’t be available for the entire season.
The Big Bash League draft pool contained 376 overseas players from 29 countries, including 76 players from Pakistan.
A host of notable Pakistani players were part of the draft for the 13th edition of the league, including Haris Rauf, Mohammad Hasnain, Naseem Shah and Shadab Khan.
Has Mohammad Rizwan played in the Big Bash League before?
Mohammad Rizwan has not appeared in the Big Bash League before.
This instalment was due to be his maiden outing in the competition.
Rizwan has been one of the most consistent performers in T20 cricket over the past few years, averaging an impressive 49.07, including a century and 25 half-centuries.
How long has Mohammad Rizwan played for Pakistan?
Rizwan made his international debut shortly after the 2015 Cricket World Cup.
He found his groove immediately, bursting out of the blocks with an average of nearly 60 in his first eight innings in matches against Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and Zimbabwe.
But against tougher opposition his deficiencies were exposed, with a significant dry spell following, which included Rizwan losing his place in the national side to Sarfaraz Ahmed for the ICC World T20 in 2016.
Mohammad had a two-year hiatus from the Pakistan national cricket team between 2017 and 2019, but is now in his prime and is one of his nation’s most prized sporting assets.