Former Pakistan pacer Mohammad Amir has criticised the team’s performance following their ICC Champions Trophy 2025 loss to India, questioning the captaincy of Muhammad Rizwan and calling for greater accountability from selectors over the squad selection.

Rizwan's captaincy

Amir took issue with Rizwan’s post-match remarks, particularly his claim that Saim Ayub was a "gelling factor" in the squad and that his absence left the team unsettled.

"If that’s the case, then Australia should have just stayed home too. They’re missing Starc, Marsh, and Cummins," Amir remarked, dismissing the idea that one player’s absence could justify Pakistan’s performance.

He argued that a captain should not rely on a single player to define team performance and questioned why Pakistan lacked a backup plan if Saim’s exclusion was so damaging. "As a leader, when you don’t have a Plan B, then what are you even doing with the team?" he asked.

Poor selection and accountability

Amir also criticised the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) for selecting players based on Pakistan Super League (PSL) performances instead of domestic cricket.

"PSL should not be the criteria for national team selection. The top performers from domestic cricket should be the priority, not PSL" Amir said. He questioned why T20 specialists were being selected for 50-over cricket, arguing that ODI selection should be based on performances in longer formats rather than T20 leagues.

Holding selectors accountable for Pakistan’s poor squad composition, Amir stated, "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?"

He criticised decision-makers who have remained in power for years despite repeated failures, adding, "The same faces keep coming back into the system despite being removed multiple times. How can you move forward like this?"

With Pakistan’s Champions Trophy exit almost certain, Amir’s remarks reflect growing concerns over the team’s direction, selection policies, and leadership choices.