"I felt my body was getting overloaded and I couldn’t manage" : Mohammad Amir

[MenInG]

Pakistan fast bowler Mohammad Amir faced a lot of criticism when he decided to announce his Test retirement following the 2019 World Cup. A lot of experts accused him of trying to prolong his career in limited overs cricket and also blamed him for overlooking the longest format of the sport. Amir decided to quit Test cricket after representing Pakistan in 36 Tests where he picked up 119 wickets at 30.47. The 27-year-old, who is currently playing for Karachi Kings in the ongoing season of the Pakistan Super League (PSL), opened up on his retirement and said that he suffered from fatigue after playing too much and the decision was right for his body.

“Everyone has their opinion. I know my body the best. I felt my body was getting overloaded. I couldn’t manage. To prolong my career, I had to take the decision, which was supported by my family. I am feeling much better and the results are visible,” Amir was quoted as saying in an interview.

“Five-year gap (talking about his punishment due to the spot-fixing scandal in 2010) is a lot for a bowler. When I came back, I played continuously for three straight years and that too in all formats. Fatigue was bound to happen, especially for fast bowlers. But now I am feeling much better, Alhamdulillah. When your focus is on one thing and you are mentally and physically fresh, you can deliver and perform better,” added the 27-year-old.

Earlier,Karachi Kings cricketer Mohammad Rizwan took a dig at his captain Imad Wasim after the defeat against Quetta Gladiators on Sunday. The match was a dead rubber since Karachi had already booked a spot in the semifinal. Rizwan, who regularly features for Pakistan in all three formats, expressed his disappointment over not being picked in the playing XI. Rizwan has only played two matches in 10 encounters so far.

Speaking about the lack of playing opportunities, the wicketkeeper-batsman said: “Why I didn’t get enough chance? I think you should ask the captain that.” He further lashed out that he was not being sent out higher to bat in the matches he was playing.

“I was told that I am the top-order batsman and that they needed a wicket-keeper batsman who could feature in the lower order. But when I was included in the final XI, I didn’t get a chance in the top order,” he said.

“It’s disappointing if the situation is like this in your 2nd or 3rd PSL. Everyone knows I’m the keeper for ODI, T20I & Test sides but I’m not getting a chance in PSL. The captain has to look at the combination so only he can explain why I’m not getting chances,” he added.

https://www.hindustantimes.com/cric...-retirement/story-g8PK1LgvjE39K1bwha1bTO.html

 

[hitthestump]

I'm not convinced that this problem couldn't have been solved by a break and some hard work in the gym. I particularly note that he talks about himself and his family but where are the views of any medical doctors he consulted?

The PCB surely would have offered to support Amir with getting back up to full fitness and perhaps allowed him to skip the odd series to manage his workload. Given how annoyed Misbah has shown himself to be i'm presuming Amir didn't want to hear any of it.

I remain of the view that Amir is choosing an easier and more lucrative path by skipping red ball cricket. Securing his personal finances over the success of his nation is nothing new to this guy after all.

 

[Zaz]

Lets face it its all about priorities

If he truly loved tests and wanted to be known as a great hed have never given up test cricket - he wouldve come to an agreement with the management

If it was about workload he couldve cut back on playing unnecessary odis, t20s etc and test against some of the smaller teams

The truth is hes skipped tests because of the hard work involved and little financial reward in comparison to t20 and odis He wanted to maximise his earnings by putting in as little effort as possible

Hed have got more respect if he was a bit more honest with everyone

 

[Savak]

His workload is no different from the bowlers from England, New Zealand, South Africa, Australia, India. The excuse just doesn't work, even now its not like he is setting the world on fire.

 

[MenInG]

Only question now is - how much improvement are we going to see in Amir? Didnt exactly set the PSL on fire.

 

[Major]

“Five-year gap (talking about his punishment due to the spot-fixing scandal in 2010) is a lot for a bowler. When I came back, I played continuously for three straight years and that too in all formats. Fatigue was bound to happen, especially for fast bowlers. But now I am feeling much better, Alhamdulillah. When your focus is on o

no one cares. Dont try to donwplay it as some simple gap, you should had not done what you did.

Pakistan cricket did him an ehsaan to allow him to play. If the PCB orders him to play 10 matches consecutive he should do that eyes closed. Pakistan did an ehsaan on him by allowing to play.

 

[moghul]

His workload is no different from the bowlers from England, New Zealand, South Africa, Australia, India. The excuse just doesn't work, even now its not like he is setting the world on fire.

Look at the guy's physique , not made for for a 3 format fast bowler. Wasim, Waqar, Shoaib and Wahab, all have much stronger built, not Amir, so I think he was justified in making the decision for himself.

 

[Shafi]

He should concentrate only franchise T20s leagues and make a lot of money for his future. He has lack of passion for Pakistan cricket.

 

[Corridor of Uncertainty]

Amir is a very good T20 bowler. Doesn't take bags of wickets, but keeps it tight. Can be consistently relied upon at the death. And on his day, can rattle top order.

But that's all that he is. A good T20 bowler. No need to assign other roles to him he hasn't performed well in since his come back.

 

[Titan24]

In my opinion sensible thing would have been to take an indefinite break from tests and then assess where he is mentally and his body is.

Not everybody have a choice but he had the liberty to take a break and then see if this is what he wanted or it was just a temporary overload and fatigue.

 

[Titan24]

Amir is a very good T20 bowler. Doesn't take bags of wickets, but keeps it tight. Can be consistently relied upon at the death. And on his day, can rattle top order.

But that's all that he is. A good T20 bowler. No need to assign other roles to him he hasn't performed well in since his come back.

He is a pretty good ODI bowler as well despite the dry spell he had. Was one of the highest wicket takers in WC 19 and is currently ranked 7th in ODI rankings.

 

[tyron_woodley]

His workload is no different from the bowlers from England, New Zealand, South Africa, Australia, India. The excuse just doesn't work, even now its not like he is setting the world on fire.

none of the other countries play as many games as indian players. If anything only indian players have the right to use a heavy workload as an excuse.

 

[ahmadharis1]

I don't blame him for leaving test cricket for the opportunity to play limited overs cricket for longer and making better money.

I don't like him claiming it's due to "fatigue" or "overload"

 

[Rayyman]

By far the best white ball bowler in the world.

 

[King-Misbah]

A lot of disrespect for a guy who was instrumental in winning two major tournaments (T20 world cup and the Champions Trophy). People who say thay he wants more money hence quit tests, wouldn't you do the same? I would because at the end of day, we need to fend for our families and self. No one will pay Amir when he retires. Plus, tests are a dead game, just look at the attendances. Just old cricket fans being emotional.

 

[Pakistanian]

Just keep doin you amir, don't let anyone tell you what's best for you.

 

[moghul]

He should concentrate only franchise T20s leagues and make a lot of money for his future. He has lack of passion for Pakistan cricket.

Are we talking about the same guy who won us T20 WC and Champions Trophy ?

 

[Caved12]

His body looks like a bed of marshmellows. He should look more chiseled, especially after playing cricket for so many years. With his accuracy, If he can add just a bit of muscle, cross trains in his off days, and increases his bowling speed up to 145kph, he would become deadly on all pitches and will quickly become the number 1 bowler in all formats.

 

[Savak]

Amir when once asked in an interview about whether he was doing any major strength and conditioning work in the gym, strengthening his muscles in the gym commented "I am a bowler, not a wrestler". That sums up his attitude and explains why he has gone downhill as time has gone on while most other bowlers get stronger with time and even add a yard or two of pace.

 

[TeamPak95]

Still very much needed for the wt20. He turns up in tournaments and should form an important bowling partnership with SSA.

 

[tyron_woodley]

Amir when once asked in an interview about whether he was doing any major strength and conditioning work in the gym, strengthening his muscles in the gym commented "I am a bowler, not a wrestler". That sums up his attitude and explains why he has gone downhill as time has gone on while most other bowlers get stronger with time and even add a yard or two of pace.

that's most desi players for you.

only a few Indians ones are taking it seriously and not surpisngly those particular Indians who do strength and conditioning are actually top players In the world.

I have always wanted to punch ashwin really bad. He has so much potential to be an ATG if he actually just took his fitness seriously.

 

[Savak]

that's most desi players for you.

only a few Indians ones are taking it seriously and not surpisngly those particular Indians who do strength and conditioning are actually top players In the world.

I have always wanted to punch ashwin really bad. He has so much potential to be an ATG if he actually just took his fitness seriously.

Not sure if Ashwin is the right example. The guy looks fit plus he is a spinner. It is the batsman and fast bowler who need to be supremely fit.

 

[coy0607]

Are we talking about the same guy who won us T20 WC and Champions Trophy ?

No, we're definitely not because Amir didn't win either of those tournaments for Pakistan.

In the T20 WC in 2009 he had 6 wickets in 7 matches. Umar Gul, Shahid Afridi and Saeed Ajmal all had more wickets (combined for 36 wickets) than Amir (6 wickets). And Afridi, Ajmal, Gul and Razzaq all had better economy rates.

In the CT 2017, Hassan Ali and Junaid Khan combined for 22 wickets, compared to 5 for Amir.


Tell me again how Amir won us the T20 WC and Champions Trophy??

 

[coy0607]

Shaheen, Husnain, and arguably Naseem and Wahab all outperformed Amir in the PSL. Other than that one match where he had 4-wickets, Amir had a poor tournament. Even Sohail Tanvir had more wickets and better economy rate than Amir.

Amir just isn't good enough to play for Pakistan above any of Shaheen, Husnain, Naseem and Wahab. Every after those 4 he is competing with Rauf, Musa, Hassan, Shinwari for a spot, although admittedly he likely the best of that second tier of fast bowlers.

 

[yasir]

No, we're definitely not because Amir didn't win either of those tournaments for Pakistan.

In the T20 WC in 2009 he had 6 wickets in 7 matches. Umar Gul, Shahid Afridi and Saeed Ajmal all had more wickets (combined for 36 wickets) than Amir (6 wickets). And Afridi, Ajmal, Gul and Razzaq all had better economy rates.

In the CT 2017, Hassan Ali and Junaid Khan combined for 22 wickets, compared to 5 for Amir.


Tell me again how Amir won us the T20 WC and Champions Trophy??

You had not paid attention to detail. Amir has many flaws, but there is little doubt about his performance when stakes are high. He is a big tournament player by far than any other Pakistani bowler in last 10/15 years.

Go watch Amir's first over in 2010 T20 WC Final, six balls with pin point accuracy to the Man of the tournament, midden over with Wicket, literally changed the game in one over. For a young Rockie that was something very special...

It was not the CT Final only, he performed throughout the tournament. Again, Go watch Amir's 75 run partnership with Sarfraz, Sarfraz was out twice in that partnership, but he showed lot of ice cool temperament to help us go through that game... In final he seal the deal in two overs...

His big match temperament(and off course new ball skill) is the reason Misbah will think very hard to leave him out of WT20 tournament...

The reason many fans (including myself) never satisfy with Amir's performance, because of his potential and skill. Reality is that his body is frail and he lost his prime in punishment, we could not get more out of him...

 

[ameemlutfi]

For those doubting his performance. Check out cricinfo's latest smart stats. He has the been third most impactful local player. Second only to Shadab and Shaheen. Even in terms of value of his wickets, third only after Shaheen and Hasnain. For me he is the best t20 bowler in the country after Shaheen. Aamir, Shaheen, Hasnain, Wahab should be the four fastbowler we take to the WC.

 

[Mamoon]

[MENTION=5869]yasir[/MENTION]

While there is no doubt that Amir tends to raise his game in big matches, his contribution to the Champions Trophy win is a somewhat overrated.

He was the only Pakistani bowler who went wicket-less in the must win match against South Africa.

After losing to India in the first match, the South African match became a knockout for us and we had to win to stay in the tournament.

Had Hasan, Junaid and Imad performed like Amir and gone wicket-less on the day. we would have gone home.

He also missed the semifinal against England because of injury.

Pakistan’s overall bowling combination and Sarfraz’s captaincy were almost perfect in those conditions.

It can be illustrated by the fact that an average bowler like Rumman replaced Amir in the semifinal and looked world class.

In the final, chasing 339 was always going to be a near impossible task even for India.

The match was won due to Kohli’s blunder of bowling first and our good fortune in terms of Fakhar getting caught of a no-ball and the various inside edges missing the stumps, Azhar getting run out at a very convenient time which allowed us to accelerate etc. it was simply our day and we made the most of it.

With or without Amir, we would have defended the total in the final. However, Amir’s burst in the opening 10 overs made the victory more emphatic. Without him, perhaps we would have won by 80-100 runs.

His most crucial performance of the tournament was against Sri Lanka. First, he triggered Sri Lanka’s collapse by getting rid of Mathews and then held his nerve with the bat when Sarfraz was completely bottling it.

As a result, Amir needs to be regarded as an important contributor who had a 7/10 type tournament.

However, to say that he “won us the Champions Trophy” is gross exaggeration and only Hasan and Fakhar can make that claim, who were by far the two standout individual players for Pakistan.

 

[Savak]

You had not paid attention to detail. Amir has many flaws, but there is little doubt about his performance when stakes are high. He is a big tournament player by far than any other Pakistani bowler in last 10/15 years.

Go watch Amir's first over in 2010 T20 WC Final, six balls with pin point accuracy to the Man of the tournament, midden over with Wicket, literally changed the game in one over. For a young Rockie that was something very special...

It was not the CT Final only, he performed throughout the tournament. Again, Go watch Amir's 75 run partnership with Sarfraz, Sarfraz was out twice in that partnership, but he showed lot of ice cool temperament to help us go through that game... In final he seal the deal in two overs...

His big match temperament(and off course new ball skill) is the reason Misbah will think very hard to leave him out of WT20 tournament...

The reason many fans (including myself) never satisfy with Amir's performance, because of his potential and skill. Reality is that his body is frail and he lost his prime in punishment, we could not get more out of him...

Lost his prime? He was only 24 when he came back, most people start their international careers at that age and he is still going at 27.

Amir is simply not consistent enough and eventually this lack of consistent penetration and impact will see him out of the team

 

[tyron_woodley]

[MENTION=5869]yasir[/MENTION]

While there is no doubt that Amir tends to raise his game in big matches, his contribution to the Champions Trophy win is a somewhat overrated.

He was the only Pakistani bowler who went wicket-less in the must win match against South Africa.

After losing to India in the first match, the South African match became a knockout for us and we had to win to stay in the tournament.

Had Hasan, Junaid and Imad performed like Amir and gone wicket-less on the day. we would have gone home.

He also missed the semifinal against England because of injury.

Pakistan’s overall bowling combination and Sarfraz’s captaincy were almost perfect in those conditions.

It can be illustrated by the fact that an average bowler like Rumman replaced Amir in the semifinal and looked world class.

In the final, chasing 339 was always going to be a near impossible task even for India.

The match was won due to Kohli’s blunder of bowling first and our good fortune in terms of Fakhar getting caught of a no-ball and the various inside edges missing the stumps, Azhar getting run out at a very convenient time which allowed us to accelerate etc. it was simply our day and we made the most of it.

With or without Amir, we would have defended the total in the final. However, Amir’s burst in the opening 10 overs made the victory more emphatic. Without him, perhaps we would have won by 80-100 runs.

His most crucial performance of the tournament was against Sri Lanka. First, he triggered Sri Lanka’s collapse by getting rid of Mathews and then held his nerve with the bat when Sarfraz was completely bottling it.

As a result, Amir needs to be regarded as an important contributor who had a 7/10 type tournament.

However, to say that he “won us the Champions Trophy” is gross exaggeration and only Hasan and Fakhar can make that claim, who were by far the two standout individual players for Pakistan.

lol this is overboard lol. Pakistan won the final as they were the better team on th3 day. Yes toss may have helped in a way as in pressure situations it's ideal to bat first. Kohli made a blunder but india lost to a better team on the night.

 

[Robert]

It’s a tragedy for cricket really.

Had he not had the forced career break his body would have filled out under the workload. He would have big shoulders by now and 300+ test wickets.

 

[tyron_woodley]

It’s a tragedy for cricket really.

Had he not had the forced career break his body would have filled out under the workload. He would have big shoulders by now and 300+ test wickets.

not in tests. Still is and always was a mediocre test player.

 

[wrongun]

Pakistan play far fewer Tests and far fewer matches overall + don't tire themselves out in the IPL whirlwind either. Overload and fatigue should be manageable.

There are a million ways for a Pakistani fast bowlers talent to go unfulfilled- this is yet another one.

 

[Muhammad Saad]

Who cares about M.Amir anymore? It's not still 2016 where we had no other option but to do ji huzoori to him.

 

[Savak]

Mr prediction is that the moment Amir gets UK Citizenship, he will shift, relocate and start playing counties as a local player, be a T20 mercenary like Malinga and playing for Pakistan will no longer be a priority.

 

[coy0607]

How good Amir was in the past, or which tournament he won for Pakistan is irrelevant, we're in 2020 and not in 2009 or 2017.

How good of effective Amir is also not the right question. The better question is whether Amir is one of the top4 fast bowlers in Pakistan for T20 or ODI cricket.

From this PSL, Husnain, Shaheen and Tanvir clearly outperformed Amir, who again, had 1 great game and was average the rest of the tournament. Wahab and Naseem were on par with Amir. Then you have Hassan and Rauf, who were definitely not as good as Amir, but will likely be considered for selection as well.

I just don't see how its justifiable to say that Amir is a lock for selection for Pakistan in any format in 2020.

 

[Nasty Naz]

Lets face it its all about priorities

If he truly loved tests and wanted to be known as a great hed have never given up test cricket - he wouldve come to an agreement with the management

If it was about workload he couldve cut back on playing unnecessary odis, t20s etc and test against some of the smaller teams

The truth is hes skipped tests because of the hard work involved and little financial reward in comparison to t20 and odis He wanted to maximise his earnings by putting in as little effort as possible

Hed have got more respect if he was a bit more honest with everyone

He did say earlier that he needed load management but there's the foolish PCB playing him in series like Zimbabwe for no reason. Heck, even the young bowlers in PSL are being run into the ground even when they are not at 100% all so owners/management can make more money.

PCB is awful at handling at their own player's load and I don't blame the players whatsoever for taking that decision upon themselves and looking out for their best self interest. Every athlete does this in any professional sports. Players play for the love of the game and to make money for themselves and their families. And I'm sure if other people were in that situation, they would do the same.

 

[Robert]

not in tests. Still is and always was a mediocre test player.

He ran rings round England in 2010. Was player of the series.

 

[Nikhil_cric]

He ran rings round England in 2010. Was player of the series.

Most bowler friendly conditions in the last decade.

 

[hitthestump]

Most bowler friendly conditions in the last decade.

Indeed bro, i'm sure Nehra and RP Singh would have produced the same result in those conditions

 

[hafizexpress]

There is no doubt that he was overworked. 3 straight years of playing all formats as a fast-bowler is definitely toll-taking.

However, I feel a request for a break would have been more ideal than just calling it quits. I feel he had a lot of potential in tests still and even if he comes in now he will be one of the leading test bowlers for Pakistan.

That being said, PCB was in the wrong for playing him constantly in all formats and not taking safety measures themselves. It was like the board said "okay you're back now right.. you must be happy.. now go keep playing and play all you want we won't stop you. Whatever happens is on you." If you really think about it, that is what played out.

Sometimes the management sees situations better than the players and they should have advised Amir to rest or whatever. The players are focused on their games and are not always able to notice how much of a workload they have.

 

[hafizexpress]

^ All this to say, I was immensely dissappointed when he called it quits. He once wanted to be the greatest and to leave the test side was saddening. He still has time. I hope he one day takes back his retirement and plays tests. The ideal scenario would be him playing all the test matches, and avoiding meaningless bilaterals. In doing so, he'll still be able to play the leagues he so loves playing in.

 

[Savak]

To be honest, Amir didn't perform or deliver like a star performer to get the attention of the authorities to warrant being wrapped up in cotton wool.

 

[Nasty Naz]

Looking at Amir's career numbers so far and it is crazy how much he has struggled in UAE and Australia.

Tests:
UAE - 56.42 AVG and 7 wickets in 4 matches
Australia - 48.53 AVG and 13 wickets in 5 matches

ODI's:
UAE - 55.50 AVG and 6 wickets in 9 matches
Australia - 30.41 AVG and 12 wickets in 7 matches

T20's:
UAE - 37.00 AVG and 2 wickets in 3 matches
Australia - 66.00 AVG and 1 wicket in 3 matches (8.60 economy as well)

It's crazy just how poor he was in UAE and even more shocking that PCB continuously used in UAE despite such awful numbers. Might not have retired from Tests if he wasn't bowling in UAE flat tracks where he isn't getting any wickets and playing in scorching heat.

He should probably be re-considered than being an automatic selection considering his woeful numbers in Australia.

 

[Savak]

Looking at Amir's career numbers so far and it is crazy how much he has struggled in UAE and Australia.

Tests:
UAE - 56.42 AVG and 7 wickets in 4 matches
Australia - 48.53 AVG and 13 wickets in 5 matches

ODI's:
UAE - 55.50 AVG and 6 wickets in 9 matches
Australia - 30.41 AVG and 12 wickets in 7 matches

T20's:
UAE - 37.00 AVG and 2 wickets in 3 matches
Australia - 66.00 AVG and 1 wicket in 3 matches (8.60 economy as well)

It's crazy just how poor he was in UAE and even more shocking that PCB continuously used in UAE despite such awful numbers. Might not have retired from Tests if he wasn't bowling in UAE flat tracks where he isn't getting any wickets and playing in scorching heat.

He should probably be re-considered than being an automatic selection considering his woeful numbers in Australia.

Well the likes of Junaid Khan, Wahab Riaz toiled away in the UAE for even more overs compared to Amir, you don't see them crying about workload and bowling on such placid wickets. Junaid's record in the UAE is superior to Amir's as well and its criminal how he has been ignored by the PCB in the last 5-6 years

 

[Robert]

Most bowler friendly conditions in the last decade.

It was overcast for most of the summer but England still had Strauss, Cook, Trott, KP, Bell, Collingwood and Prior - the strongest England line I remember - and Amir scythed through them.

 

[Ab Fan]

In this era, most blokes who are brilliant in LOs will prefer ODIs and T20s over tests.

Test specialist don't have any other option, so they would look to continue with tests but then lesser money, more hardwork etc etc.

 

[Nasty Naz]

Well the likes of Junaid Khan, Wahab Riaz toiled away in the UAE for even more overs compared to Amir, you don't see them crying about workload and bowling on such placid wickets. Junaid's record in the UAE is superior to Amir's as well and its criminal how he has been ignored by the PCB in the last 5-6 years

What I am pointing out is the poor and misuse of an asset. If you have a player that is awful in specific conditions, what is the pointing in continuing to play them there other than just wasting their abilities. Fast bowlers also have limited bullets in their arm, which is why rotation and correct utilization is very important.

IIRC, Amir began to lose a significant amount of pace after his 2018 tour vs England. He was bowling 140+ clicks at the time and then came the series vs Zimbabwe/Asia Cup/SA tour/PSL and his pace was completely gone after that and hasn't recovered since. I don't blame him one bit for retiring in the hopes to preserve his arm and his International career a bit longer.

 

[tyron_woodley]

He ran rings round England in 2010. Was player of the series.

so? it was only a 3 test series. He is like team n.z in tests. He is great in swing friendly conditions like England and n.z.

Apart from those 2 countries he struggles everywhere else just like team N.Z. who are incredibly overrated for being underrated

 

[Hawkeye]

It was overcast for most of the summer but England still had Strauss, Cook, Trott, KP, Bell, Collingwood and Prior - the strongest England line I remember - and Amir scythed through them.

Through the OZs as well.

 

[Indiafan]

Indeed bro, i'm sure Nehra and RP Singh would have produced the same result in those conditions

I love how you used RP Singh as an example

Because RP Singh wrecked havoc on England in seaming conditions and was one of the biggest reason we won the only series we have won in England ever in 2007

 

[Indiafan]

It was overcast for most of the summer but England still had Strauss, Cook, Trott, KP, Bell, Collingwood and Prior - the strongest England line I remember - and Amir scythed through them.

So did RP Singh in 2007. Why did Amir average 42 in 2016 then?

 

[Nikhil_cric]

Indeed bro, i'm sure Nehra and RP Singh would have produced the same result in those conditions

Well RP Singh did help win a series Vs England unlike your snowflake fixer and Nehra helped us win a World Cup.

 

[Hadi Rizvi]

How good Amir was in the past, or which tournament he won for Pakistan is irrelevant, we're in 2020 and not in 2009 or 2017.

How good of effective Amir is also not the right question. The better question is whether Amir is one of the top4 fast bowlers in Pakistan for T20 or ODI cricket.

From this PSL, Husnain, Shaheen and Tanvir clearly outperformed Amir, who again, had 1 great game and was average the rest of the tournament. Wahab and Naseem were on par with Amir. Then you have Hassan and Rauf, who were definitely not as good as Amir, but will likely be considered for selection as well.

I just don't see how its justifiable to say that Amir is a lock for selection for Pakistan in any format in 2020.

Clearly you didn't watch the 2019 WC and you don't seem to care abt ICC ODI bowlers rankings either.

People who have criticized Amir time and again have achieved only one thing. Humiliation.

Even before the WC, Amir had a dry spell and arm chair experts started their usual nonsense. Then Amir showed in the WC why he's considered one of the best bowlers in modern ODI cricket.

 

[Indiafan]

Clearly you didn't watch the 2019 WC and you don't seem to care abt ICC ODI bowlers rankings either.

People who have criticized Amir time and again have achieved only one thing. Humiliation.

Even before the WC, Amir had a dry spell and arm chair experts started their usual nonsense. Then Amir showed in the WC why he's considered one of the best bowlers in modern ODI cricket.

He did nothing in 2019 WC in important matches and Afridi easily outbowled him, both in crucia matches and overall

 

[Kingpin786]

He did nothing in 2019 WC in important matches and Afridi easily outbowled him, both in crucia matches and overall

Well said

 

[Hadi Rizvi]

He did nothing in 2019 WC in important matches and Afridi easily outbowled him, both in crucia matches and overall

Shaheen got a 6-fer against Bangladesh lol

Amir had a 5-fer against Australia
Got crucial wickets of Amla and Du Plessis
Bowled Guptill 1st ball
Amir took wickets upfront and at the death at an avg of 21 and ER of 4.7
If that's nothing then I'll take it everytime PAK plays a WC

 

[Kingpin786]

Shaheen got a 6-fer against Bangladesh lol

Amir had a 5-fer against Australia
Got crucial wickets of Amla and Du Plessis
Bowled Guptill 1st ball
Amir took wickets upfront and at the death at an avg of 21 and ER of 4.7
If that's nothing then I'll take it everytime PAK plays a WC

But shaheen's spell against nz where he picked 3 wickets up front was most valuable spell by any pakistani bowler

 

[JibranAnsari]

He wasn't doing any wonders in tests so it isn't a big loss for Pakistan. We should all move on.

 

[chacha kashmiri]

Mr prediction is that the moment Amir gets UK Citizenship, he will shift, relocate and start playing counties as a local player, be a T20 mercenary like Malinga and playing for Pakistan will no longer be a priority.

That's how its going to go
When amir was down and out pcb wanted nothing to do with him and only the ecb wanted him to rehabilitate

Now he's been to jail and been ostracised from cricket he's not the same innocent 19 year old that used to bowl with such a plumb
He's turned into wahab a little bit as he's very hot and cold

The t20 circuits is where he will end up

 

[Savak]

That's how its going to go
When amir was down and out pcb wanted nothing to do with him and only the ecb wanted him to rehabilitate

Now he's been to jail and been ostracised from cricket he's not the same innocent 19 year old that used to bowl with such a plumb
He's turned into wahab a little bit as he's very hot and cold

The t20 circuits is where he will end up

What are you talking about that the PCB wanted nothing to do with him? He should thank the PCB who lobbied with the ICC to allow him to play domestic cricket one year before the end of his ban, he should thank the PCB for fast tracking him back into the team

 

[iniqbal223]

Let me take back our readers / posters / commenters to the history (4 /5 years back) :

1) Amir did not beg the nation or showed his frustration or sit in media channels in 2015/2016 (after his ban was lifted) to demand or show his entitlement to be included in the team. Misbah - Waqar made the hell embarrassment of our fast bowling resources that people were looking for Amir to come back. That even PCB chairman had to ask for his inclusion.

Even before that, he performed outstandingly well in 2015 BPL season (which every Pakistani fans were watching in belief that one day he would come back and help us ). And it was not nation has done any favor to bring Amir back, there was a NEED for him to come back..

Secondly, I don't believe in past performances but still Amir achieved far better with one spell alone which many living legends could not achieve..

2) Bowler knows what it takes to get into test match rhythm after being out of cricket for 5 years (its not a joke). And we have players here like UA/Shehzad after their failure in SL T20 series that they were out of the team for long time so need some time to get into international cricket mode...

We have to understand that if his body does not permit, then he can not give 100% in tests, then there is nothing wrong with it. Players all over the world do that.. What should really matter is whether he is playing ODI/T20 for Pakistan, is he giving 100% or winning us matches or not ??

But again this clueless Misbah-Waqar set up has sone more damage than anything else in Pakistan..

 

[iniqbal223]

https://www.thestar.com/sports/2015...allowed-to-return-after-match-fixing-ban.html

https://www.bbc.com/sport/cricket/31034558

 

[iniqbal223]

Mr prediction is that the moment Amir gets UK Citizenship, he will shift, relocate and start playing counties as a local player, be a T20 mercenary like Malinga and playing for Pakistan will no longer be a priority.

Even he does that, it is his personal choice..
Still better in getting world trophies than many of your favorites

 

[chacha kashmiri]

What are you talking about that the PCB wanted nothing to do with him? He should thank the PCB who lobbied with the ICC to allow him to play domestic cricket one year before the end of his ban, he should thank the PCB for fast tracking him back into the team

Did the pcb supply him with a legal team
Did the pcb send a representative with him when he was due to be inducted into the Lords Hall of fame
Did the Pcb push for an appeal and did they visit amir in prison

Nowadays all it takes is a single pakistani player to play an overseas league and there's a couple of minders looking after hin
Case in point babar azam at somerset

 

[Savak]

Did the pcb supply him with a legal team
Did the pcb send a representative with him when he was due to be inducted into the Lords Hall of fame
Did the Pcb push for an appeal and did they visit amir in prison

Nowadays all it takes is a single pakistani player to play an overseas league and there's a couple of minders looking after hin
Case in point babar azam at somerset

The PCB kept advising Amir behind the scenes and had even told Amir to accept the ICC deal in 2010 who offered a 2 year ban from international cricket in exchange for an admission of guilt but Amir at the time refused and under the influence of Butt, Asif decided to test his chances by continuing to maintain his innocence in the Doha Tribunal hearings in 2011 where it was too late and the ICC announced the 5 year ban.

The PCB could not do much more officially for him as the ICC eyes were on it and defying the ICC would have meant permanent suspension for the PCB. Also Amir confessed his guilt in Nov 2011 and was sent to juvenille prison in the UK.

Amir dug his own grave unfortunately. The PCB fastracked him to domestic cricket and sought special ICC permission to allow him to play domestic cricket one year before his ban was suppossed to end.

 

[sweep_shot]

Amir was never that great in Test. He is only effective in SENA countries.

He is still a great asset for T20 format though.

 

[iniqbal223]

Amir was never that great in Test. He is only effective in SENA countries.

He is still a great asset for T20 format though.

One who could not play tests in prime, we can not say he was good or bad.. No body knows he could have become worse cricketer (if he was not banned) than today..

So its totally baseless when some one says squeeze him .. and he should give preference to play tests..Even Wasim retired from test cricket to prolong his ODI career (not to compare with him) But its player choice which he thinks is fit for which format..

 

[Caved12]

One who could not play tests in prime, we can not say he was good or bad.. No body knows he could have become worse cricketer (if he was not banned) than today..

So its totally baseless when some one says squeeze him .. and he should give preference to play tests..Even Wasim retired from test cricket to prolong his ODI career (not to compare with him) But its player choice which he thinks is fit for which format..

Wasim retired from test cricket at 34 after playing 104 test matches and then a year later he announced his retirement from odis as well.

 

[Ryw]

If PCB, our thinktank and captain will continue over using our fast bowlers in meaningless matches dead rubber games, i fear more pacers will follow same route.

Follow ECB model, they have set exact no of overs per season for their pace bowlers to prevent them from overloading their muscles

 

[Imy]

He got too big for his boots. Now that he sees that he may not have an intl future he is changing his tone.Being an Intl player definitely effects how much you get paid in the leagues. By the way he could still play County when he needs rest.

 

[Saj]

As long as he keeps getting T20 deals he will feel that the decision has been the right one.

If the T20 deals start drying up then he may regret his decision.

Time will tell.

 

[coy0607]

As long as he keeps getting T20 deals he will feel that the decision has been the right one.

If the T20 deals start drying up then he may regret his decision.

Time will tell.

I think he may already feel like he has miscalculated (even with league contracts) - considering that he has effectively been dropped from the T20 and ODI teams. That is why he makes this defensive comment.

I don't think he (or anyone else) anticipated that the young crop Pakistani of fast bowlers would be so promising so early. They are more or less outperforming Amir in limited overs cricket.

 

[Savak]

As long as he keeps getting T20 deals he will feel that the decision has been the right one.

If the T20 deals start drying up then he may regret his decision.

Time will tell.

In order to get lucrative T20 deals, you have to perform consistently and win games for your franchise, it's not like international cricket especially playing for Pakistan where you will get to play ten games without performing and another ten games on the back of one performance.

Andrew Symonds thought he could make a killing in the T20 circuit especially the IPL when Australia ended his international career in 2009, he failed in a few matches for Mumbai Indians in 2011 and he got benched for good and was no longer a lucrative option in the T20 circuit therefore forcing him to retire for good in 2012.

Similarly Kevin Pieterson thought he could enjoy a lucrative T20 career after England let him go in 2014, he didn't do much in the IPL and his price got affected and he had to play for a pittance in the remaining T20 leagues before he retired in 2018

Chris Gayle failed for two seasons in the PSL. He never got picked by any franchise in the PSL again

Amir will get axed if he doesn't deliver very easily

 

[Danyaalr01]

I think it was a good thing that Amir retired from tests, he wasn't doing much, apart from that South Africa series. His retirement has made way for Shaheen who is clearly better, also Naseem has been given a chance and he is also bringing in better results than Amir was. It's a win-win situation, Amir gets his rest and money, Pakistan have gotten more effective bowlers in tests.