Revitalized fast bowler Mohammad Amir is gearing up for the upcoming T20 World Cup, driven by a sense of unfinished business, fifteen years after leaving the cricketing world in awe as a teenage prodigy during Pakistan’s previous triumph in the tournament.
The 32-year-old, who faced the ordeal of a spot-fixing scandal in 2011, made a comeback from retirement just last month, cherishing the opportunity to represent Pakistan once more on the global stage.
Expressing his sentiments, Amir conveyed to AFP over a phone call from Lahore this week, “It’s an incredible feeling to don the green jersey again. I’m determined to fulfill what I couldn’t before, and my immediate goal is to clinch the World Cup.”
Amir’s meteoric rise in cricket began in 2009 when he burst into the Pakistan team and showcased his talent at the T20 World Cup. However, his promising career hit a major setback in 2010 due to the infamous spot-fixing scandal during a Test match in England, resulting in a ban and subsequent imprisonment.
Pakistan captain Salman Butt and fellow bowler Mohammad Asif also faced bans and jail time for their involvement. Despite returning to the team in 2016 after the ban, Amir announced a surprising retirement in December 2020 due to poor form.
Now, he is back in action, ready to form a formidable pace attack alongside Shaheen Shah Afridi, Naseem Shah, and Haris Rauf, positioning Pakistan as one of the favorites for the World Cup.
“The trust shown by the Pakistan Cricket Board and the team management motivates me to give my best,” said Amir. “Representing your country is an unparalleled feeling.”
Having recently played in the T20 series against New Zealand, Amir feels reenergized and prepared to contribute significantly. “I feel more physically fit than ever before, which is crucial for performance. I’m eager to excel,” he added.
Amir’s journey from a humble village in Punjab to cricketing stardom has been remarkable. Mentored by legendary left-armer Wasim Akram, he overcame obstacles and injuries to carve his place in the cricketing world.
Reflecting on his journey, Amir remarked, “The memories of the 2009 Twenty20 World Cup victory still inspire me. Being part of a champion team was unforgettable.”
As Pakistan gears up for upcoming matches against Ireland and England, Amir remains focused on his ultimate goal. “From a village boy to a cricket hero, I’ve come a long way. Now, I have another chance to chase the World Cup dream, and that’s what drives me and my team forward.”
