Ex-Pakistan fast bowler Mohammad Amir has come out in support of Mohammad Rizwan and has raised questions regarding the Pakistan Cricket Board's (PCB) decision of taking away his captaincy without a good reason. Rizwan had a very good record on the away tour but still, the PCB on Monday announced that Shaheen Afridi would be the new Pakistan ODI captain. This decision of changing the captain without a proper reason has led to a lot of debates in the cricket world.
Amir, the most outspoken person when it comes to Pakistan cricket and among other things, described the decision as "unfair" and went on to say that Rizwan should have been given more time as a captain. In fact, Shaheen, 25, will be the captain of Pakistan in a three-match ODI series against South Africa in Faisalabad from November 4 to 8. However, he has very little exposure in the 50-over internationals as Pakistan have played, and he has only been able to lead the team in franchise cricket. Rizwan has been the captain who has led Pakistan to historic victories in South Africa and Australia, and now Shaheen will be the one to take the team forward.
Mohammad Rizwan’s Record and PCB Controversy regarding Mohammad Amir
Rizwan captained Pakistan in 20 ODIs, winning 9 and losing 11, a tenure that included mixed results in the ICC Champions Trophy and series defeats in New Zealand and the West Indies. Despite these occasional setbacks, Amir believes Rizwan’s prior successes should not have been overlooked. “Captaincy should not depend on just one good or bad series. We are all responsible for this — former cricketers and analysts included. We don’t allow stability in our cricket. Captains are not made overnight; it takes two to three years to build one,” Amir said.
Reports indicate that the decision to replace Rizwan was influenced by PCB members including Aaqib Javed, Sarfaraz Ahmed, and Misbah-ul-Haq, with head coach Matthew Hesson recommending the move. Some insiders also suggested that Rizwan’s increasing emphasis on religion during team activities made certain players uncomfortable. Rizwan, however, has openly expressed his faith both on and off the field, reportedly arranging sermons and encouraging teammates to pray regularly.
Amir further criticised the PCB for not easing Shaheen Afridi into the role, suggesting that appointing him as vice-captain first would have been a more measured approach. “If Shaheen had to be made captain, his performance could have been judged gradually, especially considering his fitness,” Amir added.
