![Mohammad Rizwan demoted by Patriots in CPL 2025 [Source: @iamAhmadhaseeb, @Crex/X.com]](https://onecricketnews.akamaized.net/parth-editor/oc-dashboard/news-images-prod/1756876590253_Mohammad_Rizwan_CPL_2025.jpg?type=hq)
Mohammad Rizwan demoted by Patriots in CPL 2025 [Source: @iamAhmadhaseeb, @Crex/X.com]
Mohammed Rizwan, one of Pakistan’s most reliable batters, has found himself embroiled in a surprising controversy in the Caribbean Premier League (CPL) 2025. He was shockingly pushed down to No.7 by the St Kitts and Nevis Patriots in a game against the Trinbago Knight Riders.
St Kitts and Nevis Patriots had a dream start in the chase of 180 runs with a 96-run opening partnership between Evin Lewis and Andre Fletcher. After they lost 3 wickets around the 15th over, the Patriots needed someone who could accelerate and finish with a bumper strike rate.
Mohammad Rizwan Humiliated In CPL
Pakistan’s Mohammad Rizwan, however, was bluntly ignored as the St Kitts and Nevis Patriots sent batters like Jason Holder, Kyle Mayers and Jyd Goolie ahead of him.
Pakistan’s former T20I captain was shockingly sent to bat at no.7 when his team needed 42 runs from 18 balls. Rizwan managed only 10 runs off 7 deliveries, remaining unbeaten but unable to provide the firepower his team desperately needed. The Patriots eventually lost by 12 runs.
Rizwan’s batting approach has been under the scanner recently. Though he has been scoring runs consistently, his failure to speed up at important junctures has usually damaged his teams.
In CPL 2025, Rizwan has been striking at just 128.75, well below the modern T20 benchmark of 140+. This has put in question whether or not he can perform in pressure moments, particularly during the death overs, where massive hitting is not optional.
The demotion to No.7 in the batting order was a clear indication that the St Kitts and Nevis Patriots management does not fully trust Rizwan’s finishing skills.
Rizwan’s T20I Career Hits New Low
What makes the situation even more significant is Mohammad Rizwan’s exclusion from Pakistan’s Asia Cup 2025 squad. His exclusion, allegedly because of his strike rate fears, now appears warranted in the opinion of most critics. For someone who has built a reputation as a reliable top-order batter, failing to adapt to evolving T20 demands is costing him opportunities.
If Rizwan wishes to regain his place in Pakistan's XI and silence his critics, he needs to find a way fast to increase his scoring rate. Otherwise, the demotion from opener to No.7 might just become a new reality for the talented wicketkeeper-batter.
