In a deeply disappointing turn of events, Pakistan faced a devastating defeat against arch-rivals India during their Asia Cup 2025 clash in Dubai. The Pakistani side could only muster a total of 127/9 while batting first, a target India comfortably chased down in just 15.3 overs, winning by seven wickets.
Following this crushing loss, former Pakistan pacer Mohammad Amir stepped forward to staunchly defend the team. He specifically addressed the wave of criticism from ex-cricketers regarding the current squad’s quality and the decision to omit seasoned players like Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan.
The heavy defeat sparked widespread backlash on social media, with many scrutinizing the team’s performance and selection choices.
Pakistan suffered a crushing defeat against India in their Asia Cup 2025 clash in Dubai, managing only 127/9 while batting first. (AFP Photo)
Amir took to X (formerly Twitter) to voice his support for the team and challenge the critics, stating: “I am seeing a few people propagating their own agendas. ‘Why is this player on the team? How does he compete with that player?’ It is as if they were waiting for Pakistan to lose just one match to start criticizing these youngsters.”
The criticism had grown particularly intense after the management chose to exclude experienced campaigners Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan from the Asia Cup squad. This move was widely understood as a strategic decision, part of their long-term planning for the 2026 ICC T20 World Cup.
Amir continued his defense: “You all are relentlessly criticizing these kids. The players you are referring to were experienced. They have played for more than five-six years, captained the team, done everything. These youngsters have just had one bad game, and you all have completely turned on them. Have patience.”
He emphasized the importance of looking forward and providing steadfast support to the current group of players. Amir stressed that any criticism should be constructive, aiming to guide rather than to subject young talents to immense, undue pressure.
He also acknowledged the absence of Haris Rauf as a legitimate point of discussion. However, when addressing the exclusion of Babar and Rizwan, Amir boldly claimed: “The players you all are talking about have done nothing great. They have played for five to six years, and everyone has their stats and performances; no one has done anything great.”