One of the major surprises, when Pakistan announced their squad for the ICC World Cup 2019, is the absence of Mohammad Amir. He has been their wrecker-in-chief over the years, especially, in the big events. However, they decided to go against him for his poor numbers in the recent past. Meanwhile, the former great Wasim Akram isn’t impressed with the call by PCB.
If he missed the upcoming world cup it is going to be his third world cup miss on a trot. In a previous couple of major events, he was banned from the game of cricket, as he was involved in the match-fixing. His return to the team in ICC Champions Trophy 2017 saw them clinching the cup.,
Mohammad Amir is my first choice – Wasim Akram
Speaking of the exclusion, the former Pakistan fast bowler believes that Mohammad Amir must be there in the ranks for Pakistan, especially, in the ICC World Cup 2019. He feels that Pakistan can’t discount him, who got the experience and good numbers in England conditions.
“We can’t discount Amir from the World Cup,” Wasim told AFP. Amir would have been my first choice for the World Cup considering English conditions where he performs well.”
Wasim Akram quoted that Mohammed Amir will be his first-choice bowler in the world cup for Pakistan. He is confident that the left-handed fast bowler will make a return to the squad by proving his credentials.
“I am confident that he will do well once his rhythm is back,” said Wasim, a veteran of five World Cups in 1987, 1992, 1996, 1999 and 2003.
Pakistan team needs him:
Wasim Akram also quoted that he would encourage the youngsters to be part of the squad but not at the expense of a senior. He wants the team to be a mix of youth and experience, which has always been the formulae of success to become a champion.
I am all for youth but experience has no substitute, so we should mix youth with experience,” said Wasim who guided Amir during the Pakistan Super League earlier this year. He is a good learner so I hope things will come good for him sooner than later because Pakistan team needs him.”
Well, it would be interesting to see how Mohammad Amir delivers in the upcoming bilateral series against England. If he puts on a decent show than the world cup berth would invite him for sure.