In an interview with Skysports, Pakistani pacer Mohammad Amir has admitted that he feared he would never play cricket again after he was banned for five years following a spot-fixing scandal.
Amir along with Salman Butt and Mohammad Asif, was banned from cricket for throwing deliberate no-balls during a Test match against England at Lord’s in 2010 – before being later jailed in Britain.
“Life was very tough and there were times I thought I might not be able to play again,” said Amir. “I didn’t pick up a ball for three years.
“It was very depressing for me, because as a professional, it’s very difficult when you can’t use the facilities, play cricket, you can’t even touch the ball, so what are you going to do then?
“They are terrible memories, but now they are helping me because I’ve learned a lot and I want to be a better human being, and a better behaved cricketer.
Amir’s ban ended in September last year and he made a return to international cricket when he was selected for Pakistan’s one-day and Twenty20 squads to face New Zealand. Since then he has remained an integral part of the team.
“I am still learning. Nobody can be Mr Perfect. But the past is the past and I’m looking forward now. I want to be the best cricketer I can be for my country. If I work hard, the main aim for me is to be the world’s best bowler.
Amir is set to make a return to Test cricket in England this summer and, should he be selected for the first Test at Lord’s which starts from July `14, his comeback game would be at the venue the infamous fixing incident took place.
“It’s very special for me to be representing my country again and at the same place which it ended; same team, same crowd. I think for me it’s a miracle, but dreams come true.”
“Lord’s is a very special place, I have good and bad memories but now I hope to make more good memories for the future. I want to put my name on the honours board, like in 2010.
“Everybody has the right to their own opinion, and the crowd has the right to say some things, but my aim is to do well and behave. If I perform, hopefully they will forgive me and they will shout for me one day.
The left-arm pacer said that the upcoming series will be a good contest.
“England are a good team, and especially in home conditions they are very good, but we will work hard and try to beat them.
“England have a good batting line-up; Alastair Cook is a good player and Joe Root is doing very well. Every batsman is just as important to get out, but especially Cook, as he is the captain and the backbone of the team. I will try my best to bowl him.
“I am still learning as person, but as a player hopefully I am doing well. I can still swing the ball both ways, maybe you will see in the first Test. I think it will be a good series.”
The last time the pacer was in England in 2010, he was Pakistan’s Player of the Series after taking 19 wickets at an average of 18.36. He would surely want to make a memorable comeback at the Mecca of cricket.