Mohammad Amir, Suresh Raina among legends to slam Pakistan team selection after Champions Trophy exit: 'These are back door entries'

Pakistan’s premature exit from the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 has led to widespread criticism. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) recently announced a revamped T20I squad , replacing Mohammad Rizwan with Salman Ali Agha as captain, while recalling all-rounder Shadab Khan as vice-captain. However, the move has sparked controversy, with many questioning the logic behind some exclusions and inclusions.

Pakistan selection controversy takes centerstage

Former Pakistan pacer Mohammad Amir voiced his frustration over the selection process, particularly the appointment of Salman Ali Agha as T20I captain. He highlighted that Mohammad Haris, who has captained Pakistan A, Pakistan Academy, and Pakistan Shaheens, was completely overlooked.

“You are claiming to bring in fresh faces. Mohammad Haris has captained in Champions Cup, Pakistan A, Pakistan Academy, Pakistan Shaheens, and in Champions Trophy practice matches, yet he has been sidelined. If you wanted to change the captain, then why not Haris, who was being groomed by the PCB?” Amir remarked.

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Former Pakistan cricketer Ahmed Shehzad also slammed the Pakistan Cricket Board, questioning Shadab Khan’s selection despite his lack of performances in the past one and a half years.

“What performance has Shadab Khan given that you brought him back? He hasn’t performed in the last one and a half years. They are saying that is mindset is good. I know many players who have a good mindset but their performances aren’t that great. What kind of criteria is this?”

Ahmed Shahzad bashing Shadab Khan

"Shadab Khan ki konsi asi performance hai jis pe ap use le aye, last 1 & half year se koi performance nahi Shadab ki."

"Agha Salman is not suitable for T20I"

Amir "Usama Mir Kahan hai"

pic.twitter.com/BJEi1yaKC1

— M (@anngrypakiistan) March 5, 2025

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Former Pakistan cricketer Basit Ali was even more vocal in his criticism, questioning the omission of key players who performed well in the Champions Trophy. “How many runs did Saud (Shakeel) make against India? 64? Yet, he is out of the team,” Basit said.

He also lashed out at the selectors for ignoring young fast bowler Mohammad Hasnain. “Why is Mohammad Hasnain, who is your next big fast bowler, not in the squad? He has proven his ability, yet he is ignored in both formats. What kind of injustice is this to a young, talented player?”

Basit went on to claim that team selection was based on favouritism rather than merit. “Certain players have built good images for themselves, and that’s why they are in the squad. These entries are all through the back door,” he alleged.

Meanwhile, former Indian cricketer Suresh Raina also weighed in on Pakistan’s squad selection while commentating during the Champions Trophy semifinal between New Zealand and South Africa. Raina questioned the decision to drop Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan from the T20I squad.

“Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan should have been part of the team as Pakistan needs experience and youth together. They have scored a lot of runs for their team,” Raina said.

Pakistan’s selection controversies have only added to the turmoil surrounding the team after their disappointing Champions Trophy campaign. Pakistan suffered a shock first round exit after back-to-back losses against New Zealand and India in the Champions Trophy 2025 group-stage. Pakistan were hosting an ICC event for the first time in 29 years and their failure to qualify for the knockout stage has made them a laughing stock across the world.