Mohammad Amir, the former left-arm fast bowler for Pakistan, has openly expressed his dissatisfaction with the current bowling selections made by the Pakistan Cricket Board’s (PCB) selection committee. During a recent interview on a private television channel, Amir voiced concerns that despite Pakistan possessing a pool of fast bowlers capable of consistently bowling at speeds around 140 km/h, several talented and promising players are being overlooked when it comes to national team inclusion.
Amir specifically mentioned names like Musa Khan, Mohammad Hasnain, and Akif Javed, questioning why these young pacers have not been given more opportunities to showcase their skills at the international level. He acknowledged that there have been occasional concerns regarding bowling actions, which might have contributed to their exclusion. However, he urged the selectors to avoid making hasty decisions based on such issues and instead focus purely on the players’ performance and potential to strengthen the bowling attack.
In addition to highlighting these emerging fast bowlers, Amir also brought attention to Salman Irshad and Zaman Khan, describing them as highly effective T20 death bowlers. He emphasized their ability to deliver precise yorkers not only during the crucial final overs but also in the middle overs of the game, making them valuable assets for Pakistan’s limited-overs squads. Amir suggested that these players deserve serious consideration when finalizing the team, especially with the Pakistan Super League (PSL) approaching, which traditionally serves as a platform for players to stake their claim for national selection.
Looking ahead, Amir expressed his expectation that the national team’s composition for upcoming fixtures will once again be heavily influenced by performances in the PSL. This domestic tournament has historically played a pivotal role in shaping Pakistan’s cricketing landscape by providing a stage for young talent to emerge and impress the selectors. Amir’s comments underline the importance of a transparent and merit-based selection process that rewards form and fitness over other considerations.
Furthermore, Mohammad Amir shared his views on the leadership situation within Pakistan’s T20 squad. Reflecting on the team’s recent defeat against England, he predicted that Salman Ali Agha would not continue as the captain of the T20 side beyond the ICC T20 World Cup scheduled for 2026. When asked directly about the future of the current captaincy, Amir was straightforward, stating that he does not foresee Agha retaining the leadership role after the tournament. He also voiced concerns about the overall lack of strong leadership within the squad at present, suggesting that the team currently lacks a figure capable of effectively guiding and inspiring the players on and off the field.
Amir’s candid remarks highlight ongoing challenges within Pakistan cricket, particularly regarding team selection and leadership stability. His insights come at a crucial time when Pakistan is striving to build a competitive and balanced side capable of performing consistently across all formats. As the cricketing fraternity awaits the upcoming PSL and international fixtures, the pressure on selectors to make informed and fair decisions has never been greater.
