Quetta Gladiators’ fast bowler Mohammad Amir has opened up about his aggressive style on the field, his views on fellow cricketer Babar Azam, and his exit from international cricket after the T20 World Cup. In an interview with Geo News in Lahore, Amir made it clear that cricket on the field is not about friendships or seniority, but about staying focused and competitive.
No Friendship on the Field
Mohammad Amir stated that when he steps onto the field, there are no friends or seniors that matter. It’s all about performance. He shared that if a batter hits him on the first ball, he doesn’t just take it silently. Instead, he tries to get inside the batter’s mind to shake their focus. According to Amir, disturbing a player mentally doesn’t mean showing disrespect — it’s part of the competitive spirit that drives cricket.
He recalled the aggressive cricket of the past and said that legends like Sir Vivian Richards, who is part of the Quetta Gladiators’ setup, can confirm how intense things used to be. Amir believes that aggressive behavior on the pitch was once seen as a sign of cricket’s beauty. It was never about crossing the line, but about putting pressure on the opponent to force mistakes.
Controlled Aggression is the Key
Mohammad Amir emphasized that his aggression is always within limits. He understands the consequences of using foul language or acting out of control. If he did, the umpires and match referee would fine him. But since that’s not happening, it means his behavior remains under control. For Amir, the key is to stay aggressive yet responsible.
The Silent Exit from International Cricket
One of the most revealing parts of Amir’s interview was about his departure from international cricket. He expressed disappointment over the lack of communication from the team management after the T20 World Cup. Amir had given up his county contract to represent Pakistan in the tournament, and he even paid for his trainer and travel expenses.
However, after the tournament, he says no one from the Pakistan Cricket Board spoke to him or informed him about future plans. Amir said a wise man can understand what silence means. Realizing he wasn’t part of the team’s future, he made the decision to step away from international cricket.
Thoughts on Babar Azam
Amir addressed the rumors about his rivalry with Babar Azam, calling them baseless. He said Babar is currently the best cricketer in Pakistan and deserves full respect. However, Amir acknowledged that Babar is currently going through a tough patch in form. According to Amir, Babar’s timing has been slightly off, and he’s arriving a bit late to the ball, which affects his shot selection. But he’s confident that once Babar gets back into rhythm, he’ll start scoring big again.
Reality of T20 Performances
Amir shared his insights about how performance should be evaluated in T20 cricket. He said that in a 10-match league, it’s normal for a player to have 3–4 excellent games, a few average ones, and some poor outings. He urged fans and critics not to judge players harshly based on just two or three matches, as T20 is known for its unpredictability.
Quetta Gladiators’ Balance and Performance
Speaking about Quetta Gladiators, Amir said the team is well-balanced in all departments. With the addition of Mark Chapman, the middle order has gained strength. The only major issue, he pointed out, is the frequent loss of wickets in the first six overs. Despite this, their bowling unit has performed impressively.
Amir is hopeful about the team’s chances in Lahore, where conditions are expected to be favorable. He praised the Lahore crowd for their energy and support, saying they cheer for both teams and create an electric atmosphere. He also mentioned that if the pitches are batting-friendly, Quetta’s batters have what it takes to post big scores. Amir is optimistic that Usman Tariq will clear his bowling test this week, further strengthening the squad.
Mohammad Amir’s honest remarks have once again put him in the spotlight. From his thoughts on the game’s mental tactics to his disappointment with the national setup, Amir has made it clear where he stands. While his international career might be over, his presence in the Pakistan Super League continues to make headlines. As PSL 10 progresses, fans will be watching to see how his experience and firepower impact Quetta Gladiators’ performance.
