Introduction
The Pakistan cricket team’s performance in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 has sparked widespread criticism. Former fast bowler Mohammad Amir has voiced his concerns over the team’s direction, selection policies, and leadership under Mohammad Rizwan. Amir’s remarks reflect the growing dissatisfaction among fans and cricket analysts who believe Pakistan cricket needs urgent reforms.
Mohammad Amir Criticizes Rizwan’s Leadership
Post-Match Remarks Under Scrutiny
Following Pakistan’s six-wicket defeat to India, captain Mohammad Rizwan attributed the team’s struggles to the absence of young batter Saim Ayub, calling him a “gelling factor.” Amir dismissed this excuse, arguing that no single player’s exclusion should define a team’s performance.
“If that’s the case, then Australia should have just stayed home too. They’re missing Starc, Marsh, and Cummins,” Amir stated sarcastically, questioning the validity of Rizwan’s claims.
Lack of a Backup Plan
A key aspect of Amir’s criticism was Pakistan’s failure to develop contingency strategies. He stressed that a captain must always have a Plan B.
“As a leader, when you don’t have a Plan B, then what are you even doing with the team?” Amir questioned, emphasizing the importance of strategic depth.
Pakistan’s Selection Policies Under Fire
Reliance on PSL for Squad Selection
Amir took issue with the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) for prioritizing Pakistan Super League (PSL) performances over domestic cricket achievements.
“PSL should not be the criteria for national team selection. The top performers from domestic cricket should be the priority, not PSL.”
He argued that selecting players for ODIs based on their T20 performance has weakened the team, as these formats require different skill sets.
Lack of Spinners and Proper Openers
Amir also questioned the selection strategy, highlighting Pakistan’s struggles in the opening and middle overs.
“The people who said we don’t need spinners or proper openers should now come forward and admit their mistake. We struggled in the opening and middle overs—who is responsible for that?”
Pakistan’s reliance on T20 specialists for 50-over cricket has resulted in inconsistent performances, and Amir believes the selection committee must be held accountable.
PCB’s Long-Standing Leadership Issues
Recycling of Failed Decision-Makers
Amir also expressed frustration over the repeated appointment of individuals who have failed Pakistan cricket multiple times.
“The same faces keep coming back into the system despite being removed multiple times. How can you move forward like this?”
He called for structural changes in PCB leadership to prevent the same decision-makers from returning and making repeated mistakes.
Mohsin Naqvi’s Role as PCB Chairman
Amir urged PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi to take strict action against selectors, coaching staff, and team management.
“Chairman sir, please call the captain, selection committee, and coach and ask them what kind of selection they have made,” Amir suggested, emphasizing the need for accountability.
Impact of Amir’s Criticism on Pakistan Cricket
Growing Fan Frustration
Amir’s remarks have resonated with many Pakistan cricket fans who have grown frustrated with the team’s inconsistent performances. Social media platforms have been flooded with demands for structural changes in the squad and management.
Calls for Young and Fearless Players
Similar to Wasim Akram’s recent comments, Amir advocated for younger, fearless players to be given opportunities, even if it results in short-term failures. This long-term vision aligns with preparations for the 2026 T20 World Cup.
“If you need to make five or six changes, just do it. You might keep losing for the next six months. It’s fine, but start building the team for the future now.”
Future of Pakistan Cricket: What Needs to Change?
Merit-Based Selections
Pakistan’s squad selection process needs an overhaul to ensure that only the best-performing players from domestic and international cricket are selected.
Balanced Team Composition
The importance of specialist spinners, proper openers, and experienced middle-order batters cannot be ignored. The team must balance all aspects of the game rather than relying solely on aggressive T20 players.
Effective Leadership
Rizwan’s leadership has come under fire, and if the team fails to recover, a change in captaincy may be inevitable. Finding a strong and tactically sound leader should be a priority.
FAQs
1. What did Mohammad Amir say about Rizwan’s captaincy?
Amir criticized Rizwan’s leadership, particularly his claim that Saim Ayub’s absence affected the team. He argued that a strong captain must have a backup plan and not rely on a single player.
2. Why is Amir against PSL-based selection?
Amir believes PSL performances should not be the sole criterion for national team selection. He argued that domestic cricket should hold more weight, especially for formats like ODIs and Tests.
3. What changes did Amir suggest for the Pakistan Cricket Team?
Amir called for introducing young and fearless players, overhauling the selection process, and ensuring accountability from selectors and the PCB.
4. Why does Amir think Pakistan struggled in the Champions Trophy?
Amir pointed out the lack of proper openers, weak middle-order performance, and poor bowling attack as major reasons for Pakistan’s struggles.
5. What actions does Amir want PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi to take?
Amir urged Mohsin Naqvi to question the selection committee, coach, and captain regarding their decisions and demand accountability for poor team selection.
Conclusion
Mohammad Amir’s criticism sheds light on the fundamental issues in Pakistan cricket. His call for accountability, better team selection, and structural reforms resonates with cricket fans and analysts alike. With the ICC Champions Trophy campaign virtually over, Pakistan cricket faces a crucial period of introspection and change.
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