The 2025 Champions Trophy could have been a platform for Pakistan’s resurgence, especially as the hosts and defending champions. However, their campaign ended in disappointment, with the team crashing out in the group stage. Under the leadership of Mohammad Rizwan, Pakistan failed to meet expectations, leaving fans and former players frustrated.

Pakistan’s journey began with a heavy defeat against New Zealand, followed by a one-sided loss to India in Dubai. Virat Kohli’s brilliant century guided India to a comfortable victory, effectively sealing Pakistan’s fate in the tournament. Kohli’s 51st ODI ton not only secured the win but also highlighted Pakistan’s struggles on the field. The loss confirmed their early exit, marking a disappointing end to their title defense.

Following Pakistan’s elimination, former pacer Mohammad Amir did not hold back in criticizing Rizwan’s captaincy. Amir, who played a pivotal role in Pakistan’s 2017 Champions Trophy victory, compared Rizwan’s leadership to a downgrade from a Ferrari to a rickshaw. Speaking to Sports Tak, Amir expressed his disappointment with Rizwan’s decision-making and the team’s overall performance.

Amir stated, “Rizwan (laughs)... you’ve gone from a Ferrari to a rickshaw now. Initially, his leadership seemed promising. He had success in domestic cricket and the PSL, with his team reaching finals. But suddenly, within 2-4 months, his decisions started becoming strange. I don’t know why or what happened, as I haven’t been in the dressing room these past few months. But his decisions seem bizarre.”

Amir further criticized Rizwan’s lack of assertiveness as captain, stating, “At first, he seemed like a brave captain, and it felt like he would bring some changes. But suddenly, within a few months, it felt like he drifted away from cricketing intelligence. Everyone was saying it—Ahmed (Shehzad) made a video, I gave an interview, Wasim (Akram) bhai also said the team wasn’t right. There was no proper opener, and we needed a spinner. If the captain says he has no power, that’s a lie. As a captain, he had the authority, but he didn’t use it. I don’t know why.”

Amir also questioned Pakistan’s team selection, particularly the decision to recall Imam-ul-Haq after Fakhar Zaman’s injury. He argued that the team missed an opportunity to include an extra spinner, which could have strengthened their bowling attack. “They had the chance after Fakhar Zaman’s injury to bring in an extra spinner, but they didn’t. When personal interests are prioritized over the team, problems arise. Usman was already in the team; Imam wasn’t needed. They could have added another spinner, but they didn’t,” Amir explained.

The former pacer also issued a warning to the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and the current team management. He emphasized the need for better decision-making to avoid a long-term decline in Pakistan cricket. “If the right decisions aren’t made, Pakistan cricket could be set back by 20 years,” Amir remarked.

Pakistan’s early exit from the Champions Trophy has sparked widespread criticism from fans and experts alike. Supporters expressed their frustration on social media, with many targeting Rizwan and former captain Babar Azam. Even before the match against India, several Pakistani fans predicted an easy win for India, which ultimately came true.

The team’s inability to perform under pressure and the lack of strategic planning have raised serious concerns about the future of Pakistan cricket. With the next major tournaments on the horizon, the PCB and team management face the challenge of rebuilding the squad and restoring confidence among fans.

Amir’s candid remarks have added fuel to the ongoing debate about Pakistan’s cricketing direction. As the team reflects on their Champions Trophy failure, the focus now shifts to addressing the issues highlighted by Amir and other critics. The road to redemption will require not only better leadership but also a renewed commitment to excellence on the field.

In the meantime, Pakistan’s cricketing fraternity remains hopeful that the lessons learned from this setback will pave the way for a stronger and more competitive team in the future. The Champions Trophy may have ended in disappointment, but it also serves as a reminder of the work that lies ahead for Pakistan cricket.