Mohammad Amir versus Irfan Pathan - A comparison

[Indiafan]

Both these talented left arm seamers made a big splash when they burst into the scene. Both of them had decent pace and movement and could bamboozle high class batsmen. There was the inevitable comparison with Wasim Akram. There were high hopes from both and both became the toast of their respective nations. Who can forget Amir's England tour or Pathan's hat-trick in Pakistan.

But then over the years things changed. Amir had the misfortune of a 5 year ban in between. Their pace slacked off, the swing was not so much except in certain conditions or certain inspired spells. The reason I wanted to compare both was because how similar their career seems to me

Both have their best stats in T20s. Both average around 30 in tests and ODIs. Both could bat a bit when needed. They played very less tests despite impressing everyone in tests when they came. These are their stats

Pathan

Tests - 29 matches , 102 wickets at 32
ODIs - 120 match, 173 wickets at 29
T20s - 24 matches, 28 wickets at 22

Amir

Tests - 36 matches, 119 wickets at 31
ODIs - 59 matches, 77 wickets at 30
T20s - 42 matches, 55 wickets at 19

Of course Amir is still playing LOIs but I don't see him doing much better than Pathan by the time his career gets over

Both did shine here and there later and had really fine moments like when Amir defended the CT final 2017 against India, while Irfan defended the T20 2007 final against Pakistan and was the Man of the match. But we can agree both of them were super hyped up when they came but did not achieve their full potential (and Amir seems unlikely to). What went wrong? Was the initial hype wrong or did something happen where two bowlers with such potential went wrong in between? Was it lack of hard work and adaptation? Laziness? Or they were not that good in the first place? Would better coaching and guidance have turned these bowlers into legends?

 

[sweep_shot]

I think Amir wins this one. There is an x-factor about Amir that Pathan didn't have.

 

[Indiafan]

I think Amir wins this one. There is an x-factor about Amir that Pathan didn't have.

People might be too young to remember, but when Irfan came onto the scenes, a lot of experts spoke about how special he was and how he was going to dominate batsmen for a long time

 

[Sunny_majoka]

I like this comparison.
I followed irfan and amir, through their very first match. But irfan wins this match up Though its very tight. Irfan also was better batsman than him.

 

[Indiafan]

I like this comparison.
I followed irfan and amir, through their very first match. But irfan wins this match up Though its very tight. Irfan also was better batsman than him.

Thanks. You wouldn't believe how excited us Indians were when Irfan burst onto the scenes and bowled like he did. He had decent pace too

 

[JaDed]

The end result of Irfan made me not to expect anything from Ishant or even Bumrah..keeping my expectations in check.

 

[Rayyman]

Amir can definitely go onto become a white ball legend like Malinga, McCullum and Afridi.

Let's be real, Amir was a better Test bowler, and his skills are much better than Pathan in the shorter formats.

Tell me, who has a better yorker, slower ball, better reverse swing?

Pathan was a bits and pieces player for the latter half of his career. Better comparison is Azhar Mahmood.

 

[Chief Destroyer]

Are you comparing careers or potential?

 

[troodon]

Looks like Amir and Pathan had similar careers so far.

Amir has the chance to improve his stats. But so far, Amir has been a very average bowler with some brilliant performances here and there.

 

[Titan24]

Amir had more to offer as a bowler even without swing when he started his career as he used to bowl deliveries around 150 kph and had the natural skills to deceive the batsmen. However, after that 5 years gap his pace didnt sustain but he still had accuracy, ability to read the batsmen and became pretty lethal on days when he got the swing.

Pathan was phenomenal when he got that bowl moving around but other than swing he didnt have much to rely upon and once he lost that due to one reason or another, there wasnt much impact left in him.

Amir still has quite a few years left him in LOIs and can definitely try to improve his stats.

 

[JattMaula]

They were similar bowlers.

Irfan is and was a better batsman and human being.

 

[pratiktc]

Five year gap finished off Amir the potential ATG.
Now quite frankly he is just a steady bowler who has moments of inspiration where he overperforms.

Irfan was one trick pony who used the one trick really really well for about 3 yrs then lost it and sank into oblivion.

Overall,
Amir stripped of his powers = steady avg intl. bowler
Irfan stripped of his powers = steady domestic bowler

 

[Bhaijaan]

Good comparison

I will give it to Amir because he always seemed to bend his back and come hard at the batsmen.

Irfan on the other hand never seemed to try working harder on his pace which hindered his growth and aura as a fast bowler.

Having said that Irfan must be one of the most natural inswing bowler I have ever seen. I think he also has the most good looking hat trick of all time. The way he got Yousuf out with the third ball, it seemed pure wizardry going by Yousuf's expression. He could do so much with the new ball and with the older reverse swinging ball. If only he worked on pace and actually tried bowling like a fast bowler.


For Amir also it's a shame he ends up with same statistics as Irfan. It means he made no use of his all round bowling ability. A total waste of a bowling talent

 

[big_gamer007]

Pathan lost his swing, many so called experts attribute the decline of Pathan to Greg chappel era where in Pathan was trained tbe trained into an all rounder.

After that was only down hill from there.

Both Amir and Pathan had their fair share of good moments, but both massively underachieved.

I will give this one to Amir. He keeps economy under check in LOI's even though he can't get many wickets.

 

[Xoib]

Amir actually averages 30 and.Pathan 32 so there is some misleading by the OP.

Amir was never going to recover from the 5 yr gap as an 18 yr old he missed out the.most important years of skill development, you need a hunger and focus like Steve Smith to keep your skills level high after a long break just look at Warner and he was out for just one year and still allowed to play domestic cricket.

 

[Savak]

Amir actually averages 30 and.Pathan 32 so there is some misleading by the OP.

Amir was never going to recover from the 5 yr gap as an 18 yr old he missed out the.most important years of skill development, you need a hunger and focus like Steve Smith to keep your skills level high after a long break just look at Warner and he was out for just one year and still allowed to play domestic cricket.

Think the 5 year gap is being overblown here, maybe the 5 year gap actually helped him avoid severe injury. Truth is Amir was always a conditions dependent bowler, he looks ordinary on flat wickets

 

[Xoib]

Think the 5 year gap is being overblown here, maybe the 5 year gap actually helped him avoid severe injury. Truth is Amir was always a conditions dependent bowler, he looks ordinary on flat wickets

A 17 yr old Amir bowed for 2 hours in severe heat at 150 plus at MCG to pick a fifer it was that spell that convinced me of his ATG potential not any of the stuff he did in UK 6 months later.Amir after his return never replicated that spell though time to time he did have success In conditions that favored him like summer of 2010.
Amir pre ban was destined for greatness and that ban derailed him from his path.

 

[Shazzam]

Irfan wins this one. The guy showed immense potential in being the Indian Wasim Akram. He was a hype bowler. A unfortunate miss to international cricket.

Amir on the other hand went from to the age of 17 to 67 due to missing five years of cricket. He is well past his prime now. No longer will he ever repeat the same performance. In his youth years he could have been a better bowler than Wasim Akram. I guess it was not ment to be.

 

[jeeteshssaxena]

Irfan wins this easily.
He was as good a bowler as amir and then he was a good lower order bat too.

 

[Usman Chadda]

Amir was a level above Pathan when he deservedly lost five years of his career.

He returned to bowl one of the ATG spells of ODI cricket, while I don't remember any such feat by Pathan?

The only similarity between the two is that both were hyped to the moon, and delivered average results. Amir has had more impact though.

 

[geraltofrivia]

Amir was a level above Pathan when he deservedly lost five years of his career.

He returned to bowl one of the ATG spells of ODI cricket, while I don't remember any such feat by Pathan?

The only similarity between the two is that both were hyped to the moon, and delivered average results. Amir has had more impact though.

Pathan was mom in t20 2007 final. also won India a test in Perth. was good in 04 pal series win so had moments.

 

[Usman Chadda]

Pathan was mom in t20 2007 final. also won India a test in Perth. was good in 04 pal series win so had moments.

Clearly Amir had more impact.

This is a no contest. Even after losing five years of competitive cricket, Amir was able to return and produce one of the ATG spells of ODI cricket.

 

[Indiafan]

Clearly Amir had more impact.

This is a no contest. Even after losing five years of competitive cricket, Amir was able to return and produce one of the ATG spells of ODI cricket.

What ATG spell are you talking about? If you are talking of CT final, after 340 is put on the board in a major final, not a single country has ever chased that score. Any bowler could have bowled well after such a score. Pathan had lots of such ATG spells like the previous poster mentioned

 

[shahidbhai]

Being humble, Amir is exactly 1 million times better... the most important thing to know is that Amir's stats don't define the bowler he is. There's a reason he has been mentioned numerous times by top batsman that he is the hardest bowler to face. Swing/Seam at 120kph is a lot different to swing at 145+ kph. Not to mention the accuracy and intelligence of bowling under immense pressure which he has been exposed to since he was 18 (world t20 2009). I like looking at it like this, if you had both Amir and pathan bowling in the final of the world cup (both at their absolute primes) and had 10 runs to defend who would you pick?......I think you have your answer.

 

[Rellu_Katta]

have to go with Aamir .. the guy was just poetic when he came on the same.. just a different level ... just amazing.. no words... pathan was good but Aamir was just next level.. its sad to see both of them being where they are now ... Aamir has some chance to become good in LOI but tht z tht ...

 

[CricketDon]

When irfan no man wins two world trophies and runs through a ATG top order let me know.

 

[Indiafan]

Being humble, Amir is exactly 1 million times better... the most important thing to know is that Amir's stats don't define the bowler he is. There's a reason he has been mentioned numerous times by top batsman that he is the hardest bowler to face. Swing/Seam at 120kph is a lot different to swing at 145+ kph. Not to mention the accuracy and intelligence of bowling under immense pressure which he has been exposed to since he was 18 (world t20 2009). I like looking at it like this, if you had both Amir and pathan bowling in the final of the world cup (both at their absolute primes) and had 10 runs to defend who would you pick?......I think you have your answer.

All these praise was also made for Pathan bu various batsmen when pathan was in his prime

Btw pathan was also 140+ in his initial part, he lost pace like Amir.

Pathan was also very young and under pressure.

Pathan was an amazing loi bowler who was economical and bowled defending runs in 2007 world t20 which we won

 

[Usman Chadda]

All these praise was also made for Pathan bu various batsmen when pathan was in his prime

Btw pathan was also 140+ in his initial part, he lost pace like Amir.

Pathan was also very young and under pressure.

Pathan was an amazing loi bowler who was economical and bowled defending runs in 2007 world t20 which we won

Look kid, I see you using the fanciest words you know for your age in this thread for Pathan consistently, but can we actually have some impactful performances from Pathan? That'll make your case bettet rathan this drivel

 

[shahidbhai]

All these praise was also made for Pathan bu various batsmen when pathan was in his prime

Btw pathan was also 140+ in his initial part, he lost pace like Amir.

Pathan was also very young and under pressure.

Pathan was an amazing loi bowler who was economical and bowled defending runs in 2007 world t20 which we won

If you had both Amir and pathan bowling in the final of the world cup (both at their absolute primes) and had 10 runs to defend who would you pick?......I think you have your answer.

 

[Indiafan]

Look kid, I see you using the fanciest words you know for your age in this thread for Pathan consistently, but can we actually have some impactful performances from Pathan? That'll make your case bettet rathan this drivel

People have given examples. He has won us a test in Perth which no Pak team in history has. He won us a t20 world cup

 

[Indiafan]

If you had both Amir and pathan bowling in the final of the world cup (both at their absolute primes) and had 10 runs to defend who would you pick?......I think you have your answer.

Weird criteria as many awesome bowlers would be excluded using this

I would still take pathan, I remember how good a death bowle he was before retiring, bowling Yorkers and slower balls at will. I have seen amir concede over 14 per over in defending in t20 world cup semis, Asia cup final against Eaina, etc.

 

[Bhaag Viru Bhaag]

Pathan was playing in an era where the shelf life of most of the Indian bowlers was 3-4 years max. Pathan had speed and swing when he made his debut. I still remember his dismissal of Gilchrist in 2003/04 tour of Australia. His performance declined after Greg Chappell became Indian team's coach. He was focussing more on his batting and even opened the batting for India in a test match. He never recovered after that. He is a mentor/coach of JK team.

Amir is still playing. So this comparison doesn't make any sense.

 

[shahidbhai]

Weird criteria as many awesome bowlers would be excluded using this

I would still take pathan, I remember how good a death bowle he was before retiring, bowling Yorkers and slower balls at will. I have seen amir concede over 14 per over in defending in t20 world cup semis, Asia cup final against Eaina, etc.

Ill make this easier....If you would still take Pathan means you came into this discussion with a bias, defeats the purpose of asking the question of who is better, if you are going to continuously suggest Pathan is a better bowler, Pathan has less pace, less swing, less seam, less accuracy, not applicable for reverse swing. Amir is hand picked by Wasim Akram the greatest bowler in the world, Pathan had to be trained by Wasim to be even be half way decent. Amir is a different level which is why he was able to even make a comeback as a fast bowler into Pakistan's side after a 5 year gap in his absolute prime. He was Pakistan's spear head bowler in this year's world cup even without his trademark swing, which shows his intelligence and ability to adapt, another skill that Pathan lacked. Amir was world class and after everything he went through is still one of the best, Pathan never was nor has he ever been in the conversation. End of.

 

[Red Devil]

Amir takes this one due to his excellent performances in big matches.

 

[octavian]

It took jail time and a 5 year ban from every type of cricket to bring Mohammad Amir to Irfan Pathan's level.

That should tell you something.

 

[Indiafan]

It took jail time and a 5 year ban from every type of cricket to bring Mohammad Amir to Irfan Pathan's level.

That should tell you something.

Except Amir's performance before the ban is a carbon copy of after his ban. Except England his figures in every country were really bad and it still is. There was no bringing down to any level, he was same before and after

 

[Indiafan]

Ill make this easier....If you would still take Pathan means you came into this discussion with a bias, defeats the purpose of asking the question of who is better, if you are going to continuously suggest Pathan is a better bowler, Pathan has less pace, less swing, less seam, less accuracy, not applicable for reverse swing. Amir is hand picked by Wasim Akram the greatest bowler in the world, Pathan had to be trained by Wasim to be even be half way decent. Amir is a different level which is why he was able to even make a comeback as a fast bowler into Pakistan's side after a 5 year gap in his absolute prime. He was Pakistan's spear head bowler in this year's world cup even without his trademark swing, which shows his intelligence and ability to adapt, another skill that Pathan lacked. Amir was world class and after everything he went through is still one of the best, Pathan never was nor has he ever been in the conversation. End of.

You are intentionally talking about Amir's prime while pathan retirement. Pathan used to bail 145 when he came. Amir bowls 130 in tests now.

Less swing? Pathan used to banana swing, do you not remember the Karachi hatrick? The videos are still available on youtube

Less accuracy? Pathan was unhittable in later part of his loi career

If pathan had been banned in his earlier career he would also be hyped and made a come back.


Afridi bowled better than Amir into eh world cup, so much for being spear head. Pathan was spear head in 2007 t20 we and won us the tournament

Pathan won us the perth trst through reverse swing so talking about no reverse swing is laughable

How on earth is Amir still the best? He doesn't lead in a single average or rank but he is the best? And you are talking to me about bias? And calling amir still is the best?

 

[Indiafan]

Amir takes this one due to his excellent performances in big matches.

Pathan wc 2007 final and excellent performances in CT and other big matches. The only big performance of Amir was after his team put 340 on board in a big final which no tteam has ever chased in history

 

[Ashmal]

You are intentionally talking about Amir's prime while pathan retirement. Pathan used to bail 145 when he came. Amir bowls 130 in tests now.

Less swing? Pathan used to banana swing, do you not remember the Karachi hatrick? The videos are still available on youtube

Less accuracy? Pathan was unhittable in later part of his loi career

If pathan had been banned in his earlier career he would also be hyped and made a come back.


Afridi bowled better than Amir into eh world cup, so much for being spear head. Pathan was spear head in 2007 t20 we and won us the tournament

Pathan won us the perth trst through reverse swing so talking about no reverse swing is laughable

How on earth is Amir still the best? He doesn't lead in a single average or rank but he is the best? And you are talking to me about bias? And calling amir still is the best?

Stop overhyping....Irfan hardly bowled 145, he used to clock 140s initially but was mostly in 135-140 range.

Pathan being unhittable, lol...mate he couldn't even save his IPL contract let alone international cricket (so much for being unhittable).

Pathan has won Perth test and WT20 and has few other decent performances as well, I agree, but he wasn't that impactful.

But even Amir has won a WT20 & CT and he has also helped Pak draw multiple test series in Eng (even against Aus in Eng).

Pathan declined too early to have any impact, he didn't even manage to play in any ODI WC (even during his peak).
While Amir did pretty well in 2019 WC even though he has declined as a bowler.

Amir is still playing and only after he retires can we fully comment on his career. But he has surely surpassed Irfan Pathan.

 

[shahidbhai]

You are intentionally talking about Amir's prime while pathan retirement. Pathan used to bail 145 when he came. Amir bowls 130 in tests now.

Less swing? Pathan used to banana swing, do you not remember the Karachi hatrick? The videos are still available on youtube

Less accuracy? Pathan was unhittable in later part of his loi career

If pathan had been banned in his earlier career he would also be hyped and made a come back.


Afridi bowled better than Amir into eh world cup, so much for being spear head. Pathan was spear head in 2007 t20 we and won us the tournament

Pathan won us the perth trst through reverse swing so talking about no reverse swing is laughable

How on earth is Amir still the best? He doesn't lead in a single average or rank but he is the best? And you are talking to me about bias? And calling amir still is the best?

What the gentleman above me said sums it pretty well, but I would just like to add, having 1 spell of revers swing (if that) or 1 or 2 spells of conventional swing doesnt make you better than Amir, Amir has been doing this since he was a kid and he is still doing it, thats why he is still relevant in world cricket, I dont think anyone outside the subcontinent even knows who Pathan is. When Amir was involved in the ban, Michael Holding, Atherton, the likes were in tears because of the kind of unbelievable talent the world was about to lose. Pathan is a nobody, he doesnt have comparison to the likes of Wasim (which is one of the greatest compliments a bowler could ever get).

Since you're having trouble comprehending, ill make this easier, you should have a poll. and see the results for yourself...well you probably shouldnt... i wouldnt want to be humiliated either.

 

[jeeteshssaxena]

What the gentleman above me said sums it pretty well, but I would just like to add, having 1 spell of revers swing (if that) or 1 or 2 spells of conventional swing doesnt make you better than Amir, Amir has been doing this since he was a kid and he is still doing it, thats why he is still relevant in world cricket, I dont think anyone outside the subcontinent even knows who Pathan is. When Amir was involved in the ban, Michael Holding, Atherton, the likes were in tears because of the kind of unbelievable talent the world was about to lose. Pathan is a nobody, he doesnt have comparison to the likes of Wasim (which is one of the greatest compliments a bowler could ever get).

Since you're having trouble comprehending, ill make this easier, you should have a poll. and see the results for yourself...well you probably shouldnt... i wouldnt want to be humiliated either.

Easy bro, a left arm allrounder is a rare rare breed. Irfan pathan was highly rated when he entered the cricket world.
Irfan has obviously achieved more in test cricket than what amir has,its all about what you achieve not what ur potential is.

His bowling figures are similar to amir and then he was also a fine lower oder bat, that raises him to one or two level above amir. Michael holdings tears means zilch.

Potential wise amir was better than even harbhajan but finally what bhajji achieved raises him 3 or 4 levels above amir.

Kohli and amir were the next big things of indian and Pakistani cricket respectively, one of them has become an all time great and the other surrendered to the demands of test cricket.

 

[IAJ]

Excellent bowlers both, Ma sha Allah.

 

[Justcrazy]

Amir is better , no doubt about that. Amir has potential to ball some outstanding balls.

 

[Indiafan]

What the gentleman above me said sums it pretty well, but I would just like to add, having 1 spell of revers swing (if that) or 1 or 2 spells of conventional swing doesnt make you better than Amir, Amir has been doing this since he was a kid and he is still doing it, thats why he is still relevant in world cricket, I dont think anyone outside the subcontinent even knows who Pathan is. When Amir was involved in the ban, Michael Holding, Atherton, the likes were in tears because of the kind of unbelievable talent the world was about to lose. Pathan is a nobody, he doesnt have comparison to the likes of Wasim (which is one of the greatest compliments a bowler could ever get).

Since you're having trouble comprehending, ill make this easier, you should have a poll. and see the results for yourself...well you probably shouldnt... i wouldnt want to be humiliated either.

Amir has not been swinging the ball except on Couple of really friendly wickets. Do you want to look at his LOI stars recently?

Any time he gets English conditions he swings the ball but does not swing on any other country. Check any match thread you want with people complaining about him not swinging

Pathan had comparison with Akram. Pathan used to swing regularly. Also if pathan had been banned after few matches people would be upset too

About amir still playing, let's see when he crosses irfans stats and total LOI matches played

P.S. no one will remember Amir after his retirement too. Except maybe a foot note and wasted potential

 

[shahidbhai]

Easy bro, a left arm allrounder is a rare rare breed. Irfan pathan was highly rated when he entered the cricket world.
Irfan has obviously achieved more in test cricket than what amir has,its all about what you achieve not what ur potential is.

His bowling figures are similar to amir and then he was also a fine lower oder bat, that raises him to one or two level above amir. Michael holdings tears means zilch.

Potential wise amir was better than even harbhajan but finally what bhajji achieved raises him 3 or 4 levels above amir.

Kohli and amir were the next big things of indian and Pakistani cricket respectively, one of them has become an all time great and the other surrendered to the demands of test cricket.

its hard to achieve things, when you're not playing...the first thing I said in my previous post is Amir is well beyond his stats, stats don't define players, its about the impact he has, and I completely understand the jealousy, cuz thats all this is... the fear in Indian eyes when watching Amir bowl at them even after the ban, what he did in Dhaka what he did in the champions trophy will always haunt you. The world knows Amir for the bowler he is, youngest ever to reach 50 test wickets! The scandal ruined him, but listen, its simple, be true to yourself. if you were assembling a team and you had Amir and Pathan, any person who understands even an iota of cricket wouldnt even bat an eye and pick Amir.

 

[shahidbhai]

Amir has not been swinging the ball except on Couple of really friendly wickets. Do you want to look at his LOI stars recently?

Any time he gets English conditions he swings the ball but does not swing on any other country. Check any match thread you want with people complaining about him not swinging

Pathan had comparison with Akram. Pathan used to swing regularly. Also if pathan had been banned after few matches people would be upset too

About amir still playing, let's see when he crosses irfans stats and total LOI matches played

P.S. no one will remember Amir after his retirement too. Except maybe a foot note and wasted potential

no swing in other countries? do you not remember what he did in Dhaka where he made Rohit Sharma, Rahane and raina look like they were holding the bat for the first time in their lives?

Pathan had comparison to Akram? are you serious!? hahahaha. Pathan didnt know how to bowl before he begged Akram for his help.

I just see the jealousy in your post, just WISHING you ever had a bowlers that Pakistan has like Wasim, Waqar, Akthar and Amir, since you are forced to amplify these basic pedestrian level bowlers all your cricketing history like Pathan.

Ill say it again DO A POLL! ANY FORUM! and you'll get your answer. "who is the better bowler Amir or Pathan"

 

[Rayyman]

no swing in other countries? do you not remember what he did in Dhaka where he made Rohit Sharma, Rahane and raina look like they were holding the bat for the first time in their lives?

Pathan had comparison to Akram? are you serious!? hahahaha. Pathan didnt know how to bowl before he begged Akram for his help.

I just see the jealousy in your post, just WISHING you ever had a bowlers that Pakistan has like Wasim, Waqar, Akthar and Amir, since you are forced to amplify these basic pedestrian level bowlers all your cricketing history like Pathan.

Ill say it again DO A POLL! ANY FORUM! and you'll get your answer. "who is the better bowler Amir or Pathan"

Agree 100%

There is a difference between a Pakistani comparing a bowler to Akram and an Indian.

Indians will compare lesser bowlers to Akram because that's all they have.

Pakistan have plenty of bowlers who emulated Wasim and they are all better than Irfan Pathan.

The thread title is disrespectful. Replace Amir's name with Rahat Ali, actually even then, the Pakistani bowler is better.

 

[jeeteshssaxena]

its hard to achieve things, when you're not playing...the first thing I said in my previous post is Amir is well beyond his stats, stats don't define players, its about the impact he has, and I completely understand the jealousy, cuz thats all this is... the fear in Indian eyes when watching Amir bowl at them even after the ban, what he did in Dhaka what he did in the champions trophy will always haunt you. The world knows Amir for the bowler he is, youngest ever to reach 50 test wickets! The scandal ruined him, but listen, its simple, be true to yourself. if you were assembling a team and you had Amir and Pathan, any person who understands even an iota of cricket wouldnt even bat an eye and pick Amir.

And the harsh reality of life is that you have to achieve something to be relevant, as far as selecting one out of amir or pathan is concerned i"ll pick pathan anyday, he provides balance with the bat and ball.

Secondly, brother now its time to come out of that "amir has potential for bubble" , he has underachieved and thats a reality.
I suggest you to watch pathans bowling, in test matches he is actually ahead of amir.

That dhaka spell was special but not even close to what pathan did in pakistan. That hattrick is the best i have ever seen quality wise..

You need to accept the reality that amir let pakistan down with his decision to quit test cricket and now its certain that he wont have any legacy.

 

[jeeteshssaxena]

How many pakistani bowlers have emulated wasim?LOL
People here really live in an alternate universe, there isnt a single pakistani bowler who took 200 test wickets post 2000 and please do let me know who emulated wasim?umar gul or maybe wahab riaz Lol.

 

[shahidbhai]

And the harsh reality of life is that you have to achieve something to be relevant, as far as selecting one out of amir or pathan is concerned i"ll pick pathan anyday, he provides balance with the bat and ball.

Secondly, brother now its time to come out of that "amir has potential for bubble" , he has underachieved and thats a reality.
I suggest you to watch pathans bowling, in test matches he is actually ahead of amir.

That dhaka spell was special but not even close to what pathan did in pakistan. That hattrick is the best i have ever seen quality wise..

You need to accept the reality that amir let pakistan down with his decision to quit test cricket and now its certain that he wont have any legacy.

Just the statement you gave for picking Pathan is that he "provides balance with bat and ball" thats a statement one makes when you are trying to somehow justify a players inclusion a team when you arent confident... "hes not a great bowler but he might be handy with the bat, play him as an all rounder" Amir could get out 0's for the rest of his career but he plays purely on his bowling ability.

I will agree with you regarding Amir's potential...it is the saddest thing as a Pakistan fan, watching Amir bowl the way he was bowling. cutting through batting orders like hot knife through butter...he was unplayable in 2009 and 2010 and then he lost 5 years...5 YEARS!!! it is a lifetime for a fast bowler...and that was that.

Having said that he has still produced unbelievable spells even on return, not just 1 that Pathan did. think Pakistan vs Australia in England...think about that ball to Mitchel Johnson. watch those highlights.

Regarding his decision to quit test cricket, I see it in two ways, sure he may have let down the PCB and fans because of the support he got from them to get him back in the team when he wasnt performing.
But if you look at it from a different perspective, everyone knows their own body the best, and test cricket is difficult bowling in that UAE heat and long spells. His physique isnt the same anymore and I rather him give us 110% in limited overs, come in hard with pace, swing, accuracy and win us games then force himself to play in all 3 formats and end up injuring himself and then being out completely.

Amir is a natural match winner...he plays on talent alone. going into the world cup 2019 I believe he had a 90+ average....but the PCB played him on potential, and he delivered, one of the highest wicket takers
and had he bowled against Sri Lanka, game that got washed out, he woudlve ended up even higher.

Pathan doesnt evoke that fear, nor does he have that talent, he never did Indian bowlers have always been a shadow of Pakistani bowlers, just because he was the first bowler who ever generated a bit of swing Indians have thought him to be almost god-like... Irfan couldnt make our Pakistan A side.

 

[Gabbar Singh]

It’s not what this thread was asking but it’s currently Amir vs Pathan in the LPL. Didn’t think I’d be seeing that in 2020.

 

[Bhaijaan]

Irfan was a better bowler, batsman, fielder and is now a successful professional post retirement.

But he was also a bigger failure.

While Amir was only ever meant to be a Pedro Collins level bowler, Pathan was destined to be Wasim Akram Vol. 2.0.

 

[CommonIndian]

Potential wise Aamir was better in the early part of his career but Pathan wasn't bad either. Both underachieved massively. Overall career Pathan is the better bowler, cricketer,

Aamir now runs and walks like a 50-year-old dada and can only bowl cutters now. such a shame he had pace, skills, ability, backing, everything barring the drive.

 

[Ab Fan]

Irfan Pathan gave India the greatest overseas win in Perth 2007. All this arrogance and proud that you see Indians on this forum is because of that legendary win on the fastest wicket known at that time in Australia.

That win also marked the downfall of the great Australian team.

 

[Pacy with wisdom]

Irfan was a better bowler, batsman, fielder and is now a successful professional post retirement.

But he was also a bigger failure.

While Amir was only ever meant to be a Pedro Collins level bowler, Pathan was destined to be Wasim Akram Vol. 2.0.

Atleast be subtle, bhaijaan.

 

[Gabbar Singh]

Both were tipped by some to be the next Akram - in the end neither came close and I’d say they weren’t even as good as a Chaminda Vaas or Zaheer Khan.

 

[tyron_woodley]

Amir wins this hands down.
Pathan is good for balance however.