Mohammad Amir questions why all blame falls on captain and players after defeats

Former Pakistan fast bowler Mohammad Amir has questioned the culture of placing the entire burden of poor performances on the national team captain, saying responsibility should also lie with selectors, coaches and top management.

Speaking during a recent discussion, Amir criticized the line of questioning directed at captains immediately after defeats. Referring to a post-match press conference involving Salman Agha, he said it was inappropriate to ask a captain about resignation moments after a loss.

“When a player comes after losing a match, you should ask about the game — where mistakes were made and what could have been done better,” Amir said. “Questions about resignation and future plans should be directed at the management, the chief selector and those who built the squad.”

Amir stressed that team selection and long-term planning are not solely the captain’s responsibility. “You selected 15 players. You had the authority. So why is the captain alone being asked about the future?” he questioned, adding that media scrutiny should be more balanced and directed toward decision-makers as well.

Reflecting on his own career, Amir recalled the 2017 ICC Champions Trophy campaign, where Pakistan famously lifted the title. He revealed that he avoided media appearances despite playing a key role in the final, insisting that his primary job was to perform on the field rather than seek attention.

“My job was to perform. Performance speaks louder than words,” he said. “As a player, you have to face criticism. You are not bigger than Pakistan cricket.”

Amir also touched on structural issues within Pakistan cricket, highlighting what he described as potential conflicts of interest in team management and selection roles. Without naming individuals directly, he suggested that holding multiple influential positions could create complications and favoritism.

Despite his criticism, Amir maintained that his intention was not to target individuals but to see Pakistan cricket return to its best. “We just want the Pakistan team to get back on track,” he concluded.