Muhammad Amir questions fan loyalty, links contract demands to performance debate

Former Pakistan pacer Mohammad Amir has sparked fresh debate in the cricketing fraternity after openly criticizing fans for what he described as “blindly defending specific players” despite their high-profile contract demands.

Speaking candidly during a recent discussion, Amir took aim at the narrative that certain players are unfairly targeted whenever Pakistan’s performances come under scrutiny.

“You know what people here say?” Amir remarked. “The moment you mention the names of two or three players, some people immediately rush to defend them, often in the wrong way. They ask, ‘Why only these two or three players? Why are they being criticized?’”

Amir revisited the events of 2023, when a group of senior players reportedly delayed signing their central contracts with the Pakistan Cricket Board, demanding revised financial terms.

According to Amir, the players made it clear they would only sign if their salary expectations were met.

“In 2023, they refused to sign central contracts. They wanted contracts on their own terms and demanded specific salaries. They made it clear they wanted 6.5 million per month, otherwise they would not sign,” he said.

He added that eventually Category A contracts were adjusted to PKR 6.5 million per month, while Category B players received around PKR 4.5 million after tax.

“They said they wouldn’t sign unless their conditions were met,” Amir emphasized.

While acknowledging that players have the right to negotiate, Amir argued that such strong financial demands naturally bring heightened expectations.

“When players assert their demands like this, their names will inevitably come up,” he said. “But then the question remains — where are the results?”

The left-arm pacer stressed that criticism should not automatically be framed as unfair treatment, especially when performances do not align with the stature and salaries of top-tier contracts.

“It’s not right to keep defending them by claiming they’ve been treated unfairly,” Amir concluded.

Amir’s remarks have reignited discussions among fans and analysts regarding accountability, performance standards, and financial structures within Pakistan cricket. While some supporters believe senior players deserve backing during lean patches, others argue that high earnings must be matched by consistent match-winning contributions.

With Pakistan navigating a transitional phase, the balance between player empowerment and performance accountability remains at the center of the national cricket conversation.