Mohammad Aamir has become a topic of great controversy, as the cricketing fraternity has a divided opinion on the tainted pacer. Pakistan coach Waqar Younis off late said that Aamir was welcome into the team for international return. However, some individuals within the Pakistani team are not too keen on sharing space with the tainted pacer.
Former pacer and speed sensation Shoaib Akhar has spoken in defense of Aamir and in a recent interview, he said that Aamir deserved another chance. Akhtar also urged the PCB to help Aamir if possible. “I can understand the other side, of those people who really don’t want him to play,” he said in Abu Dhabi on Friday. “I really understand, I really respect that criticism that once you destroy the country’s name, that he should not get a second chance, I respect that opinion, I think they are right.
“But at the same time, the other side, those people who say, ‘he has served his sentence, he has served his time in jail and if he does it again’, then punish him, then I agree with those people as well,” explained Akhtar. “There will be a lot of mistrust in him, every time he is going to run in, there will be a billion eyes judging him,” Shoaib said. “It’s not going to be easy on him, I don’t know whether he knows that or doesn’t. If I was in his place, God forbid I shouldn’t be, but I would have been so scared to be in his place now,” he said.
“My opinion is help the child,” said Shoaib. “Let’s guide him once again, tell him what is the right thing to do. I understand opinions from both sides, they are both right, both saying the right things.“It depends on the PCB, as to how they now take this to the next level. If they want that Amir should play, then get the trust of the team, speak to teammates and tell them be easy on him, let’s trust him once again and then take it forward. “I don’t mind if Hafeez is saying or any other guys who don’t want to play with him or share a dressing room with him, I totally understand that. But having said all that, he deserves a second chance.”
“Pakistan need to get their act and combination right,” he said. “It is not rocket science. You got to find a matchwinner, guide him, train him, put him out there. And make him understand the game and how to win it. “I want Pakistan to win the World Twenty20 in India, it’s the most dangerous side. If they get their combo right, I think they have a fair chance of winning it. Play more spinners – three spinners and two fast bowlers. Having said all this, get Amir back in side because what’s more important is to win the world cup. I’m sure Amir can run in and win the world cup for you,” Akhtar concluded.