Not A Bad Captain: Former Pakistan Pacer Comes In Support of Mohammad Rizwan

Pakistan cricket’s turmoil continued as their One-Day International captain, Mohammad Rizwan, was sacked from his role on October 20 (Monday). Instead, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) named pace bowling all-rounder, Shaheen Shah Afridi, as the new captain of the 50-over setup. 

The decision didn’t go down well with former Pakistan pacer Mohammad Amir, who called the move to sack Rizwan ‘unfair’. During his time as Pakistan captain, Rizwan led the Asian side to series wins in both Australia and South Africa, impressing one and all with his tactics. 

"I don't think Mohammad Rizwan has been treated fairly. Rizwan was not a bad one-day captain. He led Pakistan to series wins in South Africa and Australia - something even some of our biggest captains couldn't achieve. We should not have forgotten that," Amir was quoted as saying by Geo Super, reported India Today.

However, Rizwan’s strong start didn’t last too long, as the wicketkeeper batter could only lead Pakistan to eight wins in 20 appearances as captain. While the 2025 Champions Trophy was definitely a sign of the downfall, the wicketkeeper was stripped of his role after Pakistan failed against the West Indies. 

“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,” Amir added. 

“Captains are not made overnight; it takes two to three years to build one. But here, one bad series is enough to replace a captain. I don't think this is the right call. Rizwan is a smart captain and has that knack for leadership," he said.

Amir also hit out at appointing Shaheen as the new captain, citing that the left-arm pacer’s fitness concerns could haunt Pakistan. 

"If Shaheen had to be made captain, he could have first been appointed vice-captain and his performance judged accordingly - especially considering his fitness," Amir said.