Former Pakistan pacer Mohammad Amir dropped a huge bold prediction ahead of the start of the Champions Trophy 2025, predicting that Team India would not make the semi-final stage of the tournament. Amir – a Champions Trophy winner with Pakistan in 2017 – stated that Jasprit Bumrah‘s absence would prove to be decisive in this regard, and it would ultimately mean that India fail to qualify from the group stage. Amir backed both Pakistan and New Zealand to beat India in Dubai conditions.

Speaking on Pakistan-based show ‘Haarna Mana Hai‘, Amir emphasized that New Zealand boast the most balanced side in Group A.

“I think New Zealand are the most balanced side in Group A. Not even India,” Amir stated.

“In my opinion, New Zealand and Pakistan will qualify from Group A,” he said.

“I think India are massively disadvantaged due to the absence of Jasprit Bumrah. Mohammed Shami has just returned from injury, and isn’t bowling like the Shami of old. I don’t think you can rely on him,” Amir reasoned.

“New Zealand are performing well with the bat, their fast bowling is in form, and all three spinners – Mitchell Santner, Michael Bracewell and Glenn Phillips – are delivering,” Amir explained.

“I think New Zealand will beat India in Dubai. Given the form they’re in, I think they’ll beat India in Dubai,” Amir said.

India boast a superb record in the Champions Trophy, having won the 2013 edition and reached the final in 2017. India also dominantly reached the 2023 World Cup final, and thrashed England 3-0 in the home ODI series ahead of the tournament.

On the other hand, New Zealand beat Pakistan twice en route to a tri-nation series victory over them and South Africa.

Champions Trophy 2025

India enter Champions Trophy 2025 as one of the favourites for the trophy, and they will also have the fortune of playing all their games at one particular venue, in Dubai.

On the other hand, Pakistan enter the tournament as the reigning champions, having won it in 2017, beating India in the final.

Champions Trophy 2025 holds increased significance for Pakistan as it marks the return of a major ICC event on Pakistan soil for the first time in nearly three decades, since they co-hosted the 1996 World Cup alongside India and Sri Lanka.

India, Pakistan, New Zealand and Bangladesh form Group A, while world champions Australia, England, South Africa and Afghanistan are in Group B.

Pakistan suffered defeat in the final of the tri-nation series at the hands of New Zealand, just five days before the two teams square off again in the opening match of Champions Trophy 2025. It was Pakistan’s second defeat to New Zealand in the tri-nation series, and once again saw concern rise regarding Pakistan’s opening. In particular, former Pakistan cricketers have now spoken up about Babar Azam‘s new role as an opener. The likes of Mohammad Amir and Mohammad Hafeez – both members of Pakistan’s 2017 Champions Trophy-winning side – criticising the decision to make Babar open.

Babar has been promoted to open the batting following an injury to young 22-year-old opener Saim Ayub and the poor form of Abdullah Shafique. However, Babar hasn’t been able to fire either.

Babar has failed to cross 30 in each of his three innings in the tri-nation series, and the calls to send him back to No. 3 have only increased.

Former pacer Mohammad Amir has mentioned that Babar must be allowed to utilise his strengths.

“As I have said before, if I don’t get to bowl with the new ball, I won’t be able to utilize my strength. Similarly, Babar’s strength is at No. 3, where he knows how to construct an innings. The role of an opener in T20s is different from that in ODIs and Tests,” Amir told Pakistan-based outlet Geo News.

“He has to do it in phases. In 10 overs, you have to take a chance. In the next 10 overs, you have to build a partnership. The role is different. Babar, yes, he’s a big player. But I think he should have played at number 3. This is his strength. Yes, when you’re stuck, you try different things. Maybe I should take runs from here or there,” Amir explained.

Babar Azam became the joint-quickest man to reach 6,000 ODI runs in the tri-nation series final, but the bulk of his tally has come at No. 3.

Former Pakistan captain Mohammad Hafeez listed three names whom Pakistan should consider selecting so that Babar can play at his usual No. 3.

1- Shaan Masood

2- Imam-ul-Haq

3- Abdullah Shafique

Take any one as opener & let Babar Azam play at no 3 in Champions trophy. Make things easier for everyone.

— Mohammad Hafeez (@MHafeez22) February 14, 2025

“Shan Masood, Imam-ul-Haq, Abdullah Shafique. Take any one as opener and let Babar Azam play at No. 3 in the Champions Trophy. Make things easier for everyone,” pledged Hafeez, in a post on X.

Pakistan begin their Champions Trophy campaign on February 19 against New Zealand, before taking on arch-rivals India on February 23 in Dubai. The final group game against Bangladesh is on February 27.

Former Pakistan pacer Mohammad Amir has raised concerns over fast bowler Haris Rauf‘s injury ahead of the Champions Trophy. Rauf limped off with an injury after bowling just 6.2 overs during the opening match of the recently-concluded tri-series against New Zealand in Lahore. Since then, he has been out of action for Pakistan, who face New Zealand in the opening match of the Champions Trophy at the National Stadium in Karachi on Wednesday.

After the match in Lahore, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) shared a medical update on Rauf, saying that the pacer “Rauf sustained a muscular sprain in the lower chest wall.”

“Following MRI and X-ray scans, it has been confirmed that Pakistan fast bowler Haris Rauf sustained a muscular sprain in the lower chest wall region during Saturday’s match against New Zealand. The injury is not serious, and he is expected to be fully recovered for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, which commences in Karachi on 19 February,” read the statement on PCB’s website.

“However, as a precautionary measure and part of his ongoing rehabilitation, he will not be available for selection against South Africa on 12 February,” the statement added.

Ahead of Pakistan’s Champions Trophy opener against New Zealand, Amir has warned the PCB not to risk Rauf if he has suffered a side strain. Amir revealed that if a player has suffered side strain, the recovery time for the injury is about six weeks.

“If Haris Rauf has a side strain, he cannot recover fully before six weeks. If it’s just stiffness, then that’s different. If it is a grade one or two side strain, no matter what, it will take six weeks, and then the rehab starts,” Amir was quoted as saying by Geo News.

Amir feels it would be a “foolish” move if PCB decides to risk him despite the side strain issue.

“I got this injury during PSL a couple of years ago. If it is a side strain of grade one or two, then I don’t think he can play the Champions Trophy. I think it will be foolish to risk his career for three matches of a tournament because he won’t be able to give his 100 per cent,” he added.

Pakistan Champions Trophy squad:

Mohammad Rizwan (captain), Babar Azam, Fakhar Zaman, Kamran Ghulam, Saud Shakeel, Tayyab Tahir, Faheem Ashraf, Khushdil Shah, Salman Ali Agha, Usman Khan, Abrar Ahmed, Haris Rauf, Mohammad Hasnain, Naseem Shah, Shaheen Shah Afridi.

Veteran pacer Mohammad Amir has labelled Pakistan as the favourites for their upcoming Champions Trophy match against India, scheduled to be played on February 23 in Dubai. While India have dominated Pakistan at world and continental fixtures, Amir feels that Pakistan will have the upper hand against the Rohit Sharma-led side this time around. Amir warned the under pressure Indian side by highlighting Mohammad Rizwan-led Pakistan’s recent ODI series wins away in Australia and South Africa.

“The way Pakistan has played recently – defeating Australia in Australia and then beating South Africa – shows their strength, especially in overseas conditions,” Amir told Times of India.

“Considering their recent performances, I think Pakistan will have the upper hand against India. However, India has always been my favourite in big tournaments. But the Indian team is under pressure and facing severe criticism due to their recent defeats,” he added.

Both India and Pakistan are yet to announce their squads for the upcoming Champions Trophy.

BCCI’s national selection committee is expected to meet on January 19, a day after the Vijay Hazare Trophy final, to select the 15-member provisional squad for the Champions Trophy and there will be some debate on two fringe selections – the second keeper’s slot and the wrist spinner in case Kuldeep Yadav fails to get fit in time.

KL Rahul‘s presence behind the stumps during the ODI World Cup gave the Indian team the balance but the stylish Karnataka right-hander is unlikely to don the big gloves in white-ball cricket going forward.

In the case of keeper’s slot, Rishabh Pant is the first choice by a country mile but the second keeper’s slot could be a three-way fight between Dhruv Jurel, Sanju Samson and Ishan Kishan. As of now, it looks like Jurel could win the battle.

Kuldeep Yadav is slated to appear for a fitness test and match simulation soon but Tamil Nadu’s Varun Chakravarthy, with 18 wickets in six games, and Gujarat’s Ravi Bishnoi with 14 wickets from six games are both in contention having shown their wares in T20Is for India.

The selectors are likely to address the future of veteran batters Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma during the meeting.

(With PTI Inputs)

A day after Imad Wasim announced his decision to re-retire from international cricket, Pakistan’s experienced pacer Mohammad Amir announced his decision to retire from international cricket on Saturday. The 32-year-old seamer took to social media to announce his “inevitable” decision after “careful consideration.” Amir felt it is the right time to pass the baton to the next generation to elevate Pakistan’s cricket. “After careful consideration, I have taken the difficult decision to retire from international cricket. These decisions are never easy but are inevitable. I feel this is the right time for the next generation to take the baton and elevate Pakistan Cricket to new heights!” Amir wrote on X.

Announcement of my retirement from international cricket. pic.twitter.com/CsPfOTGY6O

— Mohammad Amir (@iamamirofficial) December 14, 2024

“Representing my country has been and always will be the greatest honour of my life. I would sincerely like to thank the PCB, my family and friends and, above all, my fans for their continuous love and support,” he concluded.

Amir retired from all forms of international cricket in 2021 but reversed his decision earlier this year. He reversed his decision and made himself available for the 2024 T20 World Cup.

The experienced quick’s career was filled with controversies, especially when he was banned for five years between 2010 and 2015 due to spot-fixing charges.

During his career, Amir played 36 Tests, 61 ODIs and 62 T20Is. In red-ball cricket, Amir scythed 119 scalps, averaging 30.47. In the 50-over format, the left-armer bagged 81 wickets at an average of 29.62.

In the shortest format of cricket, Amir managed to pick up 71 wickets while averaging 21.94. Overall, Amir picked up 271 international wickets in 159 matches across all formats.

Amir made his last appearance for Pakistan in the T20 World Cup during Men in Green’s final game of the group stage against Ireland. He ended the tournament with seven wickets in four matches.

Notably, before Amir, his compatriot Imad Wasim also retired from international cricket. Imad took to social media to bid farewell to international cricket and wrote, “After much thought and reflection, I have decided to retire from international cricket.”

“While this chapter comes to an end, I look forward to continuing my journey in cricket through domestic and franchise cricket, and I hope to keep entertaining you all in new ways,” he added.

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chief Operating Officer Sumair Ahmad Syed thanked the duo for their services.

“On behalf of the PCB, I extend sincere gratitude to Amir and Imad for their services to Pakistan cricket and wish them the very best in their future endeavours,” Syed said in a press release issued by the board.

Mohammad Amir slammed Ramiz Raja’s interview with Shan Masood© X (Twitter)

Guyana Amazon Warrior stunned Antigua and Barbuda Falcons in the ongoing Caribbean Premier League, registering a three-wicket win at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium in North Sound. Chasing 169, Dwaine Pretorius slammed 18 runs in the last over off Mohammad Amir, including a final ball six. Amir, who made his Pakistan return earlier this year before the T20 World Cup, had a torrid outing with the ball as he conceded 39 runs in his quota of four overs and also failed to claim a wicket.

With four runs needed off the final ball, Amid tried to bowl a wide yorker to Pretorius. However, the former Chennai Super Kings (CSK) all-rounder sliced the ball up and over wide long-off, sparking wild celebrations in Guyana’s camp.

WHAT A GAME, WHAT A FINISH! #CPL #CPL24 #ABFvGAW #CricketPlayedLouder #BiggestPartyInSport pic.twitter.com/G0xGKbE4Ns

— CPL T20 (@CPL) August 31, 2024

It was the second night in a row where the game was won off the final delivery of the match with the Falcons on the losing side both times.

Having won the toss, the Amazon Warriors chose to bowl first and they claimed an early breakthrough when Teddy Bishop was run out by a fine piece of fielding from Shai Hope to leave them 10/1 at the end of the second over. 

After a relatively slow opening two overs and the loss of one of their openers there was a need of a rebuild, and that is what they got thanks to a 73-run stand between Fakhar Zaman and Kofi James that took the rate to close to 10 an over.

James’ wicket was the start of a Falcons collapse that saw them lose four wickets for the addition of just 29 runs. Motie was the destroyer in chief as he bowled Sam Billings with a clever delivery that beat the England batter when he advanced down the pitch. He also had Jewel Andrew caught at deep mid-wicket by Shimron Hetmyer when the 17-year-old batter tried to hit back-to-back sixes.

From there it was about Imad Wasim who played a brilliant counter attacking knock that brought the Falcons right back into this match after a middle order stumble. The Pakistani all-rounder scored 40 from 21 balls to propel the Falcons to a total that they could look to defend.

The Amazon Warriors opted to promote Motie up the order to open and he scored a six in the first over but was bowled for 6 from four balls. Gurbaz also went inside the PowerPlay when he was dismissed by a juggling catch by Shamar Springer at midwicket.

The Falcons spinners did a good job at tying down the Warriors once the fielding restrictions loosened as the rate began to climb. Shimron Hetmyer looked to steady things for the Warriors and build a platform but he was bowled by Imad. When Azam Khan hit his stumps with his bat after a vicious Springer bouncer the Warriors had stumbled to 77/4.

Shai Hope was still in the middle, and last year’s Player of the Tournament was looking dangerous in the death overs but he was bowled for 41 and it appeared that the game was gone for the Warriors with the required rate at more than 15 an over.

That was before Pretorius took 18 runs from the final six balls as the Warriors started the defence of their title in the most dramatic way possible.

Pakistan cricket team batting stalwarts Mohammad Rizwan and Iftikhar Ahmed are in the news again for the wrong reasons. After the nation’s group stage exit from the 2024 T20 World Cup, many former players, experts and fans have called for a major reshuffling in the team, and for many senior players to be chopped off. Whilst no major changes are likely to be made yet, a video has resurfaced across X, showing Rizwan and Iftikhar struggling against a Pakistani net bowler in a practice session.

In the video that has rapidly gone viral, Rizwan and Iftikhar are being beaten by pace and bounce multiple times. The bowler, however, is not Shaheen Shah Afridi or Naseem Shah, but local bowler Nouman Khan Khaira.

Fans gave no mercy to Rizwan or Iftikhar.

“These local boys should be taken into the Pakistani team and those playing for the side should be rested,” said one user on X.

“They even struggled against part time software engineers of USA,” joked another user on Instagram.

These local boys should be taken into Pakistani teams and those playing for the side should be rested.

— Umar (@umartweets_) July 5, 2024

Rizwan struggled for form during the 2024 T20 World Cup. Despite finishing as Pakistan’s second-highest run-scorer, he batted at a disappointing strike rate of just 90. Most notably, Rizwan failed to guide Pakistan to a victory against India despite being well set during the run chase.

Iftikhar, on the other hand, made just 23 runs in two games, and was dropped from the playing XI.

Pakistan’s early exit

Pakistan exited the 2024 T20 World Cup in the group stage, after back-to-back losses to co-hosts USA and then arch-rivals India in their opening two games. The results led to many criticising Pakistan captain Babar Azam and the rest of the unit, with Pakistan Cricket Board chairman Mohsin Naqvi promising a “major surgery”.

However, recent reports have suggested that Naqvi is unlikely to make large-scale changes in order to avoid conflict with the senior players.

File image of Babar Azam (right) and Shaheen Shah Afridi.© AFP

File photo of Wahab Riaz and Mohammad Amir.© AFP