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Pakistan’s Champions Trophy 2025 campaign ended in disaster, as the hosts and defending champions crashed out in the group stage. Their journey began with a heavy defeat to New Zealand, followed by a one-sided loss to India in Dubai. Their final group match against Bangladesh was washed out, sealing their humiliating early exit from the tournament.
This shocking elimination has led to intense criticism from all quarters, and former Pakistan pacer Mohammad Amir did not hold back, particularly targeting Mohammad Rizwan’s captaincy.
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Amir Brutally Roasts Rizwan, Compares Him to a ‘Rickshaw’
Speaking to Sports Tak, Amir delivered a scathing critique of Rizwan, drawing a hilarious yet harsh comparison between Babar Azam’s leadership and Rizwan’s.
“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 the PSL. He was successful there, and his team would play in the final. But then suddenly, within 2-4 months, his decisions changed drastically. I don’t know why or what happened,” Amir said.
The 2017 Champions Trophy-winning pacer further suggested that Rizwan lacked cricketing knowledge and failed to assert himself as a leader.
“He was a daring captain at the start. It looked like he would change things. But then suddenly, within a few months, it seemed like he was far from understanding cricket. If the captain says he had no power, that is a lie. He did have power. The way he was appointed as skipper, he could have made key decisions, but he didn’t,” he added.
Pakistan’s Poor Squad Selection Under Fire
Amir also slammed Pakistan’s selection choices, particularly their decision to call up Imam-ul-Haq after Fakhar Zaman’s injury, instead of strengthening their spin attack.
“When Fakhar got injured, they had a chance to bring in an extra spinner. But when you owe people favors and put the team behind, that’s when problems arise. They didn’t need Imam; they had an opener in Usman. They should have been bold in their selection,” Amir stated.
Warning for PCB: ‘Pakistan Cricket Could Go 20 Years Back’
Amir also issued a stern warning to the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), cautioning them about their poor management and decision-making.
“If the right decisions aren’t made, Pakistan cricket could go 20 years behind,” Amir exclaimed.
Fans, Experts Tear into Pakistan’s Performance
Pakistan’s group-stage exit has sparked outrage among fans and cricket experts alike. Many supporters predicted an easy India win even before the match, while post-elimination, several fans have called for major changes in the team and management.
With Pakistan cricket in turmoil, all eyes are now on the PCB’s next move. Will they make sweeping changes, or will the team continue to struggle on the global stage?
