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The Champions Trophy 2025 campaign did not end well for Pakistan even though they were the hosts of the prestigious ICC tournament this time around. Pakistan endured a disappointing run in Group A, failing to secure a single victory. They were defeated by New Zealand in Karachi and by India in Dubai. Their final group-stage match against Bangladesh was washed out due to rain, leaving Pakistan with just one point and no wins in the group stage.
Mohammad Amir mocks Mohammad Rizwan’s captaincy
Amir, the 2009 T20 World Cup and 2017 Champions Trophy winner, didn’t hold back in criticizing Mohammad Rizwan‘s captaincy in his characteristic blunt manner. When asked to compare Rizwan’s leadership to that of Babar Azam, Amir wasted no time in delivering a harsh critique of Pakistan’s skipper, expressing his thoughts with his usual directness and candor.
“Rizwan (laughs)… You have come from a Ferrari to a rickshaw now (laughs again). At some point, I liked him because he captained in domestic cricket and also in PSL, he was successful there and his team would play in the final. But then suddenly if you see after 2-4 months, his decisions began to change. I don’t know why or what happened as I haven’t shared the dressing room with him for 2-4 months. Why is he behaving this way, his decisions are coming across as strange,” Amir remarked during a discussion at Sports Tak.
Also Read: Saqlain Mushtaq challenges India for comprehensive bilateral series post Pakistan’s Champions Trophy exit
Amir questiones Imam-ul-Haq’s inclusion in the team
Additionally, Amir criticized the team management’s decision to include opener Imam-ul-Haq after star opener Fakhar Zaman was ruled out of the squad due to injury following their defeat in the opening match against New Zealand.
“They got a small opportunity when Fakhar Zaman got injured, they could have added an extra spinner. That is what I am saying, when you owe people favors and put the team behind, then problems arise. They had the chance and they had an opening in Usman and they didn’t need Imam-ul-Haq. They could have got an extra spinner, but they didn’t. They should be daring and take responsibility for such decisions,” Amir concluded.
After their early exit from the Champions Trophy 2025, a major overhaul is expected in the squad for Pakistan’s upcoming tour to New Zealand following their humiliating exit from the tournament.
