By Zainab Shafiq 
Former Pakistan pacer Mohammad Amir has raised concerns over Mohammad Rizwan’s decision-making as captain, stating that the wicketkeeper-batter has lost the spark he once had as a leader.
Speaking on Geo News’ programme Harna Mana Hai, Amir expressed his surprise at Rizwan’s transformation, comparing his leadership trajectory to a dramatic fall from grace.
“Rizwan was once a Ferrari, but now he’s a rickshaw,” Amir quipped, recalling how he admired the batter’s captaincy in domestic cricket and the Pakistan Super League (PSL). “At one point, he was making strong tactical calls, but now his decision-making seems completely off.”
The left-arm pacer admitted he wasn’t sure what led to this change, as he hadn’t been inside the dressing room during the period of Rizwan’s decline. However, he emphasised that something had shifted dramatically in the wicketkeeper’s approach.
Leadership Expectations vs. Reality
Amir noted that Rizwan’s appointment as captain initially carried high hopes for bringing a fresh perspective to the team. Given his leadership experience and composure on the field, many expected him to steer Pakistan in a positive direction. However, the reality, according to Amir, has been starkly different.
“He had the power to shape the team, just like he had the influence to become captain in the first place. If he says he had no control over selections, I find that hard to believe,” Amir remarked, suggesting that Rizwan could have taken a firmer stance in decision-making.
Mixed Results Under Rizwan’s Leadership
After taking over Pakistan’s white-ball captaincy in October last year, Rizwan initially delivered promising results. He led the team to historic ODI series victories over Australia and South Africa. However, the momentum did not last. Pakistan struggled in the recent home tri-series against South Africa and has faced challenges in the ongoing ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025.
Amir’s comments add to the growing scrutiny around Rizwan’s leadership, with fans and analysts questioning whether his captaincy can withstand the mounting pressure.
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