The spot fixing definitely messed up his career trajectory and left him with just enough skill to make money.
He would have developed into a top-tier fast bowler without the fixing because he had a great action, pace, swing, and the mental fortitude to handle tough in-game situations.
Sadly just like Asif his off-pitch IQ was below zero and the five years' worth of no match practice killed his potential.
I kindly disagree.
He still had a long career ahead when he came back after his 5 years ban. Alot of cricketers start their career at 23-25+. He was also secretly playing matches around Rawalpindi as a club cricketer and was getting the practice needed.
His issue was that he came from a very poor background. And alot of poor people who get rich quick, they look for such shortcuts. He basically learned that he can make 10x amount of money by just bowling 4 overs rather than playing 5 days of test cricket. Amir's love for money was well known when he was caught spot fixing for a few pounds.
Than, he got married to his own lawyer who fought his case. Alot of Pakistani cricketers when they get married, they tend to like settle down with their career.
My issue with him was that he owed Pakistan. The country that allowed him to return back to cricket and not the other two, he owed the PCB and the country something. Instead Amir proved that someone who likes money and is selfish will always make selfish decision.
His main focus was to some how play the England series because he probably learned from his wife that once he got entry to UK again with a valid visa, he can easily travel to the country since he was not really allowed due to his jail term. So he used Pakistan for his again and than bashed ex cricketers just because he wanted to quit. Like why drag others for no reason?
Azhar Mehmood spilled the beans on him once where he said something like Amir being soft, as he was never willing to put in the effort. He was later proved right when Amir did a runner.
What is even more disturbing is that now he wants to play IPL. A league by a country that hates Pakistan and discriminates against Pakistanis on purpose. Guy has no shame basically.
