Pakistani cricket legend Shahid Afridi has thrown his support behind Mohammad Amir's potential return to the national team with just few months to upcoming T20 World Cup. Shahid Afridi believes the 31-year-old left-arm pacer still has a lot to offer, despite a recent underwhelming season with the Quetta Gladiators in Pakistan Super League (PSL) 2024.
Amir's performance in the PSL was far from his best. Across nine matches, he managed only 10 wickets with an average of 28.6, an economy rate of 8.41, and a strike rate of 20.4. However, Afridi sees past these statistics and remains confident in Amir's ability.
Shahid Afridi hopeful of Mohammad Amir return
Despite a subpar season in the PSL, Mohammad Amir has received an immense support from Pakistan cricket legend Shahid Afridi. In a recent interview with a Pakistani news channel, Afridi expressed his belief that Amir can still compete at the highest level.
Afridi highlighted Amir's talent by comparing him to Pakistan's current pace attack stars - Shaheen Shah Afridi, Haris Rauf, and Naseem Shah. This comparison suggests Afridi believes Amir possesses the skill and experience to be on par with these top young bowlers. Afridi went a step further, urging Amir to reconsider his retirement and make a comeback for the upcoming T20 World Cup which is set to start from June 2. This public endorsement from a respected figure like Afridi could significantly boost Amir's morale and potentially pave the way for his return to international cricket.
“Amir can easily make his way into the lineup of the Pakistan team even today. He falls in the category of Haris Rauf, Naseem Shah, and Shaheen Afridi. There is still cricket left in Amir and he should play for Pakistan,” Afridi said.
Mohammad Amir's early retirement
Amir, a key player in Pakistan's victorious campaigns at the 2009 T20 World Cup and 2017 Champions Trophy, left everyone stunned with his early retirement. In 2019, he stepped away from Test cricket, followed by a complete withdrawal from international cricket in 2020 at the young age of 28. Citing harsh treatment from team management, Amir appeared resolute in his decision. Despite his firm stance, whispers of a comeback have persisted. Shahid Afridi isn't the only prominent figure advocating for Amir's return. Sarfaraz Ahmed, Pakistan's captain during their 2017 Champions Trophy triumph, echoed Afridi's sentiments. Ahmed believes Amir's talent and experience are valuable assets for the national team and has publicly encouraged him to reconsider his retirement.
These endorsements highlight the lingering belief in Amir's ability to contribute at the highest level. Whether Amir heeds these calls and makes a dramatic return to international cricket remains to be seen, but the door may not be entirely shut.
“The inclusion of Mohammad Amir has made a big difference. He has been bowling really well and has a lot of experience of playing T20 cricket. I have always told Amir that he can still play for Pakistan since he has a lot to offer. He can be useful for Pakistan but it depends on Amir how he sees his future with the national team,” Sarfaraz said.
Just like Afridi and Sarfaraz, many cricketers have earlier urged Amir to take back his retirement but the former Pakistan's ace speedster isn't budging an inch from his decision.
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