Mohammad Amir Archives

Mohammad Amir questions Mohammad Rizwan’s decision-making capability

Former Pakistan pacer Mohammad Amir has weighed in on the ongoing debate surrounding the captaincy of Mohammad Rizwan, taking a subtle dig at the wicketkeeper-batter’s recent leadership decisions.

Rizwan has been under fire ever since Pakistan’s squad for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 was announced, with critics pointing out the baffling decision to include just one specialist spinner.

The criticism intensified after Pakistan’s disastrous campaign, where they crashed out in the group stage following back-to-back losses against New Zealand and India.

With reports suggesting that the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is considering stripping Rizwan of the captaincy ahead of the upcoming white-ball tour of New Zealand, Mohammad Amir didn’t hold back when asked about Rizwan’s leadership.

“There was a time I admired him as a captain,” Amir said during an interview. “He had the experience of leading in domestic cricket and the PSL, even taking his team to the finals.”

However, Amir believes Rizwan’s captaincy has taken a sharp turn in recent months, and not for the better.

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“His decision-making has completely changed. I don’t know what happened because I wasn’t in the dressing room with him during this period, but his choices now seem weird,” Amir added.

Recalling Rizwan’s bold approach as a leader in the PSL and domestic circuit, Amir expressed his disappointment in how things have played out.

“It looked like he would bring positive changes. But within a few months, it felt like he had drifted away from that cricketing mindset,” he said.

One of Amir’s biggest concerns was Rizwan’s alleged lack of influence over team selections.

“If Rizwan says he had no authority over selections, that’s not entirely true,” Amir stated. “The same influence that helped him become captain could have been used to shape the squad, but he didn’t take that step. I don’t understand why.”

READ: ‘Keep 90s players away’: Rashid Latif issues bold statement on Pakistan cricket

Mohammad Amir compares Virat Kohli with Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi

Former Pakistan pacer Mohammad Amir has heaped praise on Indian batting maestro Virat Kohli, comparing his dedication and work ethic to football greats Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi.

Speaking to an Indian journalist in Lahore on Thursday, Amir highlighted how Kohli’s commitment to fitness, discipline, and overall lifestyle makes him a role model beyond just his on-field performances.

“Why do people love Ronaldo? Why do they love Messi? If I talk about Ronaldo, especially, look at his lifestyle. Look at his work ethic and his fitness. He is a complete package. Likewise, Virat Kohli is a complete package,” Amir said.

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The former left-arm quick emphasized that admiration for athletes like Kohli transcends borders, pointing out that even in Pakistan, the Indian batter has a huge fan following.

“Why is he a role model for many, even in Pakistan? The country doesn’t matter. Whether he is from Afghanistan, Pakistan, India, or England—a role model can be from anywhere,” he added.

Mohammad Amir went on to state that Kohli is the best batter of this generation and that every young batter should look up to him as a role model.

“For this generation, Virat Kohli is an inspiration. All those youngsters who want to be cricketers, who want to be batters, should follow Virat Kohli’s footsteps,” he further added.

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Amir also shared that he wasn’t surprised to learn that Kohli arrived for training a full 90 minutes before the rest of the squad ahead of the high-voltage India-Pakistan ICC Champions Trophy 2025 clash.

“Virat Kohli is a player for whom age doesn’t matter. His work ethic doesn’t change depending on his form,” Amir said.

“He came 90 minutes before training on the eve of the India vs Pakistan match. Virat Kohli has lived the best life. He might play two or more years in international cricket, but his work ethic is still top-notch. There’s no doubting his ability and work ethics,” he concluded.

READ: Jos Buttler opens up on captaincy future after Afghanistan loss in Champions Trophy 2025

Mohammad Amir reveals his conversation with Fakhar Zaman after injury blow

Former Pakistan pacer Mohammad Amir has revealed the details of his conversation with opening batter Fakhar Zaman, who picked up an injury in the opening match of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 against New Zealand.

Fakhar was ruled out of the Champions Trophy 2025 after sustaining an injury in the very first over of New Zealand’s innings which forced him to leave the ground for medical assessment.

Though he attempted to return to the field after some time, he eventually walked off again, raising serious concerns about his fitness.

Despite the discomfort, Fakhar still came out to bat in Pakistan’s chase of 321 runs. However, he looked far from his usual fluent self, managing a scratchy 24 before getting dismissed.

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Imam-ul-Haq, who recently represented Pakistan Shaheens in the Champions Trophy warm-up match against South Africa, was confirmed on 20 February to replace Fakhar in the squad.

Mohammad Amir, while speaking on a private TV channel, shared that he enjoys a close friendship with Fakhar, having spent over a month together during ILT20.

He revealed that he reached out to Fakhar Zaman to express concern about his injury and check whether it was related to his knee or back.

According to Amir, Fakhar clarified that he is dealing with a side strain injury, which could keep him out of action for up to two months. Even if he makes a quick recovery, his return is only expected toward the later stages of the Pakistan Super League (PSL).

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The left-arm pacer further revealed that during their morning conversation, Fakhar mentioned experiencing mild coughing, which worsens his pain and causes breathing difficulties.

Amir explained that side strain injuries typically take around six weeks to heal, followed by a rehabilitation phase before a full return to action.

It’s worth noting that the defending champions and hosts Pakistan began their ICC Champions Trophy 2025 campaign with a 60-run loss against New Zealand.

They will now face arch-rivals India in the much-awaited clash at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on February 23 before returning home to square off against Bangladesh in Rawalpindi on February 27.

Pakistan squad for ICC Champions Trophy 2025

Mohammad Rizwan (c), Babar Azam, Imam-ul-Haq, Kamran Ghulam, Saud Shakeel, Tayyab Tahir, Faheem Ashraf, Khushdil Shah, Salman Ali Agha (vc), Usman Khan, Abrar Ahmed, Haris Rauf, Mohammad Hasnain, Naseem Shah and Shaheen Shah Afridi.

READ: Here’s when Imam-ul-Haq will join Pakistan’s Champions Trophy squad

Mohammad Amir casts doubts over Haris Rauf’s Champions Trophy participation

Former Pakistan pacer Mohammad Amir has raised doubts over the fitness of fast bowler Haris Rauf, saying he might be unable to participate in the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy 2025.

For the unversed, Haris Rauf left the field during the 36th over of the tri-nation series opener against New Zealand after bowling 6.2 overs due to a muscular sprain in the lower chest wall region.

“Following MRI and X-ray scans, it has been confirmed that Pakistan fast bowler Haris Rauf sustained a muscular sprain in the lower chest wall region during Saturday’s match against New Zealand,” PCB shared in a statement.

“The injury is not serious and he is expected to be fully recovered for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, which commences in Karachi on 19 February.”

However, in a recent interview, Mohammad Amir said that Haris could be ruled out for at least six months if sustained a side strain.

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“If Haris Rauf has a side strain, he cannot recover fully before six weeks. If it’s just stiffness, then that’s different,” said Amir. “If it is a grade one or two side strain, no matter what, it will take six weeks, and then the rehab starts.”

The former Pakistan pacer also shared his experience of having the same injury a few years back.

“I got this injury during PSL a couple of years ago. If it is a side strain of grade one or two, then I don’t think he [Haris Rauf] can play the Champions Trophy,” he added.

Mohammad Amir also opined that it would be ‘foolish’ to risk unfit Haris Rauf’s career for the mega event.

“I think it will be foolish to risk his career for three matches of a tournament because he won’t be able to give his 100 per cent,” said Mohammad Amir.

READ: Australia cricket team arrives in Pakistan for Champions Trophy 2025

Mohammad Amir opens up on Babar Azam’s promotion as opener

Former Pakistan pacer Mohammad Amir has opened up the decision to promote star batter Babar Azam to play as an opener ahead of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025.

Babar, who has been Pakistan’s mainstay at the number three position, was promoted to open the innings with Fakhar Zaman in the recently concluded tri-nation ODI series.

However, his performance in this new role has been disappointing, as he returned with scores of 10, 23, and 29, sparking discussions about the decision to move him to the opening spot.

Mohammad Amir, during a recent interview, expressed his disappointment with the decision, highlighting Babar’s ability to build the innings from the number three position.

“As I’ve said before, if I don’t get to bowl with the new ball, I can’t fully utilize my strength,” Amir stated.

“Similarly, Babar’s strength is at No. 3, where he knows how to construct an innings. The role of an opener in ODIs and Tests is completely different from T20s.”

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The left-arm pacer further acknowledged the importance of clearly defined batting roles in the longer formats, explaining how the mindset and approach differ between formats.

“An opener has to adapt in phases. In the first 10 overs, you need to take chances. The next 10 overs are about building a partnership,” he said.

“Babar is a top player, no doubt, but I believe No. 3 is where he belongs. When you’re struggling, you try different things, but sometimes it’s best to stick to what works.”

Previously, former cricketers Mohammad Hafeez and Basit Ali have also echoed similar sentiments, raising questions about changing Babar Azam’s batting position.

For the unversed, the defending champions and hosts Pakistan will begin their ICC Champions Trophy 2025 campaign with a game against New Zealand on February 19, followed by the much-awaited clash against arch-rivals India at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on February 23.

READ: Former cricketer slams decision to play Babar Azam as opener

Fakhar Zaman, Mohammad Amir look back at Champions Trophy 2017 victory

Pakistan opener Fakhar Zaman and former pace bowler Mohammad Amir looked back at their unforgettable performances in the ICC Champions Trophy 2017.

Pakistan thrashed India by 180 runs to clinch their first ICC title since 2009 courtesy of some fine batting and bowling performances from Zaman and Amir.

While engaging in an exciting episode of The Desert Vipers’ latest season of ‘Straight Up’ both reflected on the fond memories of the final.

Zaman, whose knock of 114 runs flattened India, reflected on his game-changing century. The 34-year-old was lucky to be dismissed off a no-ball early in his innings. Remembering the moment, the left-hand batter revealed that he had wished for such luck before the match.

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“When I said that, it was just a casual comment during a conversation with my teammates. No one took it seriously. But when it actually happened, everyone started saying I had seen it in my dreams!” he said while laughing.

Zaman’s phenomenal performance helped the Pakistani team post a mammoth total of 338 runs which resulted in a famous victory over arch-rivals.

Similarly, Mohammad Amir wreaked havoc on India’s top order in the Champions Trophy 2017 final with his bowling, dismissing the star-studded trio of Rohit Sharma, Shikhar Dhawan and Virat Kohli, to help Pakistan achieve one of the most glorious feats in history.

Amir’s sensational figures of 3 for 16 in six overs helped the Green Shirts to bowl out India for 158.

Amir reflected on his spell saying that there was not much help from the pitch but, when Virat Kohli fell, he was almost certain that Pakistan had secured the Trophy.

“Honestly, that pitch wasn’t swinging much. Even in the morning, there wasn’t a lot of movement,” Amir said. “But I had this feeling that something special was going to happen. When I got Rohit out first, the energy just kept building.”

“The moment Kohli got out, I thought, ‘We’ve won 60% of the game.’ It was a surreal feeling,” he further said.

The duo recalled the historical moments of celebrations, landing back with the trophy at home. Fakhar reminisced about the struggle to exit the airport due to the massive crowd, while the former pacer described the jubilant scenes in the streets of Karachi.

“I didn’t realize the magnitude of what we had achieved until we landed in Pakistan. People came from all over to celebrate with us,” Fakhar said.

READ: Shaheen Afridi reminisces Pakistan’s ICC Champions Trophy 2017 victory

Taskin Ahmed takes 7-19 to break Mohammad Amir’s record

MIRPUR: Right-arm pacer Taskin Ahmed returned with bowling figures of 7-19 to break the record of Pakistan pacer Mohammad Amir during the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) match here at Shere Bangla National Stadium on Thursday.

The 29-year-old pacer, who is playing for Durbar Rajshahi, took three wickets in the final over against Dhaka Capital to record the best bowling figures in the history of BPL.

His record spell restricted Dhaka Capital to 174-9 in the first innings. In response, Durbar Rajshahi successfully chased the target in 18.1 overs at the loss of three wickets, thanks to skipper Anamul Haque’s unbeaten 73.

Prior to Taskin Ahmed, the record for best bowling figures in BPL was held by Mohammad Amir. The Pakistan pacer recorded the figures of 6-17 while playing for the Khulna Tigers against Sylhet Royals, in the 2020 edition of the league.

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It’s worth noting that Taskin’s bowling figures are the third-best figures in T20 cricket across the globe.

The record for the best bowling figures in T20 cricket is currently held by Malaysia’s talented Syazrul Idrus. He astoundingly took 7 wickets after conceding only 8 runs in a T20I match against China in 2023.

Meanwhile, Netherlands’ Colin Ackermann is in second position with his figures of 7-18 while playing for Leicestershire in England’s Vitality Blast against the Birmingham Bears.

READ: Pakistan likely to make one change for second South Africa Test: reports

Mohammad Amir shares ‘the most special moment’ of his career

Former Pakistan fast bowler Mohammad Amir recently revealed that dismissing legendary Sachin Tendulkar was the most special moment of his international career.

The 32-year-old pacer announced his retirement from international cricket earlier this month, bringing an end to a 15-year international career that started in 2009.

Amir announced his decision in a heartfelt note posted on his official X (formerly Twitter) account, following the footsteps of his compatriot Imad Wasim, who announced his retirement a day before.

“After careful consideration, I have taken the difficult decision to retire from international cricket,” he posted. “These decisions are never easy but are inevitable.”

“Representing my country has been and always will be the greatest honour of my life. I would sincerely like to thank the PCB, my family and friends and, above all, my fans for their continuous love & support.”

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During a recent appearance on a sports talk show, Amir reminisced about taking the wicket of Sachin Tendulkar at the age of 17 during the ICC Champions Trophy in 2009.

He described it as the most special moment of his career and shared that it took him a full three days to fully come to terms with the reality of having dismissed one of the greatest batters of all time.

“Dismissing Sachin Tendulkar was the most special moment for me,” said Mohammad Amir. “I bowled to him only once in my life during the 2009 Champions Trophy in South Africa.”

“I had seen him play cricket on TV and always used to think about how brilliant a batsman Sachin was… Bowling to Sachin Tendulkar was a big thing for me.”

“For three days after his dismissal, I was not in my senses; I could not believe I had taken Sachin Paaji’s wicket.”

READ: Mohammad Amir comments on Babar Azam-Virat Kohli comparison

Mohammad Amir comments on Babar Azam-Virat Kohli comparison

Former Pakistan bowler Mohammad Amir has recently shared his opinion on the comparison between star batter Babar Azam and Indian batting maestro Virat Kohli.

Babar and Virat are frequently compared within the cricket community due to their similar batting techniques. However, Amir called these comparisons funny.

During a recent appearance on a sports talk show, Amir praised Kohli as the greatest batter of this generation and dismissed comparisons with any modern players, including Babar Azam, Steve Smith, and Joe Root.

“Virat Kohli is the greatest player of this generation, I laugh when comparisons are made between him and Babar Azam, Steve Smith, or Joe Root,” he stated.

“We cannot compare Virat Kohli to anyone because he has won so many matches for India, which seems impossible for any one player. Not just in one format, but in all three formats, Virat is the greatest batsman of this generation.”

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Mohammad Amir praised Virat’s commitment and resolve, highlighting how the Indian batter revitalized his career after a difficult series in England in 2014.

“Virat Kohli’s work ethic sets him apart from all players,” the left-hander said. “After his bad phase in England in 2014, the way he made a comeback and then consistently performed brilliantly for the next 10 years was no ordinary feat.”

He emphasized that Virat’s wicket was crucial for Pakistan’s victory in the ICC Champions Trophy 2017 final.

“His wicket in the 2017 Champions Trophy final was very important for us, which helped us win the final,” he added.

“If Virat had not been dismissed, we would have lost the final because we all know how exceptional Virat’s record is while chasing runs.”

READ: Babar Azam lauds Saim Ayub after series-winning performance against South Africa

Four local players promoted to platinum category for PSL 10

LAHORE: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) announced on Tuesday that Test cricketers Saim Ayub and Hasan Ali are among four local players promoted to the platinum category for the upcoming Pakistan Super League (PSL) season 10.

The cricket board, through a press release, confirmed the category renewal of 87 local players for the 10th edition.

Hasan Ali (Karachi Kings), Mohammad Amir (Quetta Gladiators), Saim Ayub (Peshawar Zalmi) and Usama Mir (Multan Sultans) have been promoted to the Platinum category from the Diamond category.

Meanwhile, Imad Wasim, Naseem Shah, Shadab Khan (Islamabad United), Fakhar Zaman, Haris Rauf, Shaheen Shah Afridi (Lahore Qalandars), Iftikhar Ahmed, Mohammad Rizwan (Multan Sultans) and Babar Azam (Peshawar Zalmi) are retained in Platinum category.

A total of 16 players are part of the Diamond category, which includes four players each of Quetta Gladiators and Multan Sultans, three players each from Karachi Kings, and Islamabad United and two players from Peshawar Zalmi, while Lahore Qalandars have one player in this category.

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Furthermore, 30 players are part of the Gold category which includes Peshawar Zalmi’s seven players. Karachi Kings, Lahore Qalandars and Quetta Gladiators have five players each, while Islamabad United and Multan Sultans have four players in the Gold category.

Among the 16 players assigned Silver category, four each are from Gladiators and Lahore Qalandars, while Peshawar Zalmi have three players in this category. Kings and Sultans have two players each in the Silver category, while United have one Silver category player.

In the Emerging category, among the 12 players selected, three players each are part of Islamabad United and Peshawar Zalmi. Karachi Kings and Multan Sultans have two players each, while Quetta Gladiators and Lahore Qalandars have one player each.

Earlier, on Thursday, 12 December the PCB had opened the registration window for foreign players for the landmark 10th edition of HBL PSL along with the trade window for all six franchises.

The relegation process and retention of players will be announced at the end of December.

The PSL Players’ Draft is scheduled to take place on Saturday, 11 January 2025. The venue and time for the draft will be announced in due course.

Local category player renewals (team-wise):

Islamabad United – Imad Wasim, Naseem Shah, Shadab Khan (all Platinum), Azam Khan, Salman Ali Agha (both Diamond), Faheem Ashraf, Haider Ali, Qasim Akram, Rumman Raees (all Gold), Shahab Khan (Silver), Hunain Shah, Shamyl Hussain, Ubaid Shah (all Emerging)

Karachi Kings – Hasan Ali (Platinum), Mohammad Nawaz, Shan Masood, Shoaib Malik (all Diamond), Arafat Minhas, Anwar Ali Khan, Mir Hamza, Zahid Mahmood, Irfan Khan Niazi (all Gold), Mohammad Amir Khan, Muhammad Akhlaq (both Silver), Saad Baig, Sirajuddin (both Emerging)

Lahore Qalandars – Fakhar Zaman, Haris Rauf, Shaheen Shah Afridi (all Platinum), Abdullah Shafique (Diamond), Sahibzada Farhan, Zaman Khan, Mirza Tahir Baig, Kamran Ghulam, Jahandad Khan (all Gold), Ahsan Hafeez Bhatti, Muhammad Imran Jnr, Salman Fayyaz, Syed Faridoun Mahmood (all Silver), Tayyab Abbas (Emerging)

Multan Sultans – Iftikhar Ahmed, Mohammad Rizwan, Usama Mir (all Platinum), Mohammad Abbas Afridi, Khushdil Shah, Mohammad Ali, Usman Khan (all Diamond), Ihsanullah, Tayyab Tahir, Shahnawaz Dahani, Faisal Akram (all Gold), Ali Majid, Yasir Khan (both Silver), Aftab Ibrahim, Muhammad Shahzad (both Emerging)

Peshawar Zalmi – Babar Azam, Saim Ayub (both Platinum), Aamir Jamal, Mohammad Haris (both Diamond), Arshad Iqbal, Asif Ali, Haseebullah, Hussain Talat, Khurram Shahzad, Salman Irshad, Sufyan Moqim (all Gold), Arif Yaqoob, Mehran Mumtaz, Umair Afridi (all Silver), Aimal Khan, Ali Raza, Mohammad Zeeshan (all Emerging)

Quetta Gladiators – Mohammad Amir (Platinum), Abrar Ahmed, Sarfaraz Ahmed, Saud Shakeel, Mohammad Hasnain (all Diamond), Mohammad Wasim Jnr, Usman Qadir, Omair Bin Yousuf, Sohail Khan, Umar Amin (all Gold), Sajjad Ali Jnr, Usman Tariq, Bismillah Khan, Khawaja Mohammad Nafay (all Silver), Adil Naz (Emerging)

READ: Jason Gillespie opens up on his experience of coaching Babar Azam