Pakistan cricket under scrutiny as captaincy decision and bowler workload draw criticism

Former Pakistan fast‑bowler Mohammad Amir criticised the Pakistan Cricket Board’s recent decisions. In an interview with Wisden, Amir said reinstating Babar Azam as Test captain adds unnecessary pressure, noting that Azam has only just returned to form after a long lean period. Amir warned that the media‑heavy environment in Pakistan could hinder the batter’s performance.

Amir also highlighted the poor form of left‑arm pacer Shaheen Shah Afridi, attributing it to inadequate workload management. He recalled his own 2020‑21 comments that excessive playing time would affect Afridi’s fitness and consistency, and said the main problem is “workload management”. Afridi, currently playing for the Kandy Royals in the Lanka Premier League, has struggled with pace and injury since his 2022 knee problem.