Former Pakistani fast bowler Mohammad Amir has once again made headlines, this time by targeting a former cricketer from the 1990s. Speaking on a private TV program, Amir claimed that a senior player had tried his best to sabotage his career, ultimately excluding him from the national squad despite his consistent performances.
Amir’s Allegations Against a Former 90s Cricketer
Without directly naming anyone, Mohammad Amir accused a former Pakistan cricketer of influencing his exclusion from the squad for the New Zealand tour. He stated that despite being in top form, his name was deliberately left out when the selection committee announced a 40-player squad for the tour.
Recalling a specific incident, Amir said, “Do you remember the year when Karachi Kings won the final? There was a super over against Multan, where we registered a win, and after that, we had to go on a New Zealand tour. The selection committee had selected 40 players, and my name was not included.”
Amir further expressed his frustration over the biased decisions that impacted his international career.
A Player’s Era Should Not Be Used to Belittle Others
Amir also criticized the former cricketer’s constant references to their own playing era, suggesting that it was unfair to undermine current players by continuously glorifying past achievements.
“I have no interest in competing with you. Every player has their own era. They performed and earned a name. But when you sit on TV and repeatedly say ‘our era, our era,’ it gets frustrating for other players.”
This statement appears to be directed at senior cricketers who often compare their playing days to the modern game, seemingly overlooking the achievements of the current generation.
Mohammad Amir’s International Achievements
The left-arm pacer, who made his international debut in 2009, played a crucial role in Pakistan’s success in multiple tournaments. During his conversation, Amir highlighted the contributions he made during his tenure with the national team:
- 2016 England Test Series: Pakistan managed to draw the series 2-2 in challenging English conditions, a significant achievement for the team.
- 2017 ICC Champions Trophy Victory: Pakistan stunned the cricketing world by defeating India in the final, with Amir delivering a match-winning spell.
- 2018 T20 Series Against New Zealand: Pakistan clinched the series, showcasing their dominance in the shortest format of the game.
A History of Controversies
Mohammad Amir’s career has been filled with highs and lows. From being one of the most promising young fast bowlers to serving a ban due to the 2010 spot-fixing scandal, Amir has often been at the center of controversies. His decision to retire from international cricket in 2020, citing unfair treatment by the team management, further fueled debates in Pakistan’s cricketing circles.
However, Amir remains active in franchise cricket, playing in leagues around the world. His recent comments indicate that he still holds resentment towards certain figures in Pakistan cricket who, in his view, hindered his career progression.
Who Is Amir Targeting?
Although Amir did not take any names, many speculate that his comments were aimed at former Pakistan head coach and fast-bowling legend Waqar Younis. Waqar, who was part of the team management during Amir’s return to international cricket, had previously criticized him for his attitude and work ethic.
The tension between the two is not new, as Amir has openly spoken about his dissatisfaction with Waqar Younis’ handling of him as a player.
Reactions from the Cricketing Community
Amir’s comments have sparked a debate in Pakistan’s cricketing circles. While some fans and analysts support his claims, arguing that favoritism and internal politics have long plagued Pakistan cricket, others believe that Amir should focus on his own performances rather than blaming others.
Many former cricketers have weighed in on the discussion, with some defending Waqar Younis’ role as a coach and others calling for a fair selection process that prioritizes merit over personal biases.
What’s Next for Mohammad Amir?
With franchise cricket providing him with regular opportunities, Amir continues to showcase his bowling skills in T20 leagues worldwide. There have been rumors about his possible return to international cricket, but nothing has been confirmed so far.
Despite the controversies surrounding him, Amir remains a formidable bowler, and his performance in various T20 leagues proves that he still has plenty to offer. Whether or not he gets another chance to represent Pakistan remains uncertain, but his recent statements suggest that he still feels unfairly treated by certain members of the cricketing fraternity.
Mohammad Amir’s remarks have once again brought Pakistan cricket’s selection process under scrutiny. Whether his claims hold merit or not, they reflect a larger issue of favoritism and internal politics that have often hampered talented players from achieving their full potential.
As Pakistan cricket continues to evolve, the hope remains that merit-based selections will become the norm, allowing players to be judged solely on their performance rather than external influences.
