After a long time, Mohammad Amir seems to be rejoicing without limit to play for Pakistan. The sole aim for this pacer now is contributing to the revival of the team’s confidence in winning the T20 World Cup. He considers himself fully prepared for it.
Amir’s career has witnessed many ups and downs. He adorned the Pakistani team after making his mark internationally with the T20 World Cup in 2009. Winning the trophy on his debut on the global stage was a sweet taste of victory.
However, a big blow came the following year. In 2010, he was banned for five years for spot-fixing against England at Lord’s Test. He endured a few months of suspension. Overcoming those tough times, he returned to the national team in 2016.
His significant contribution led Pakistan to victory in the Champions Trophy the next year. But in December 2020, citing ‘mental torture by team management’ and immense pressure, he unexpectedly bid farewell to international cricket.
Four years after breaking retirement to play another T20 World Cup, Amir is back. Pakistan Cricket Board didn’t discourage him either. In the recent New Zealand series in April, he played four matches and took three wickets.
Amir is also part of the squad for the T20 series against Ireland and England. His chances in the World Cup squad are bright. The 32-year-old cricketer told AFP, “Playing for Pakistan again is an incredible feeling. I want to finish unfinished business. My short-term goal is to win the World Cup. The Pakistan Cricket Board and team management have shown confidence in me; I need to repay that faith.”
He added, “I’ve returned after four years. The feeling of playing for your country cannot be described. Honestly, I feel fitter than in 2019. If you’re not physically fit, you can’t perform. So, I’m better prepared.”
Amir played a crucial role in Pakistan’s only T20 World Cup victory. In the 2009 edition, he took six wickets in seven matches. In the final against Sri Lanka, he grabbed four wickets, including the wicket of Tillakaratne Dilshan with a maiden over. His performance that day epitomized the essence of a pacer in winning the World Cup for the country.
He recalled, “The memory of winning the 2009 T20 World Cup is something special in my life and still thrills me. I became a part of the champion team on my debut. When I returned home after winning the World Cup, the reception at Rawalpindi airport was overwhelming. Many cars were there, showering me with flowers.”
He expressed, “I’m fortunate to still be playing. When I came, I was the least experienced in the team. Now, another opportunity to win the World Cup lies ahead of me and my team. This is our goal.” In context, Pakistan’s first match in the World Cup is against the United States on June 6th.
