Karachi Kings coach Wasim Akram defended the on-field antics of Mohammad Amir in the ongoing PSL 2023. Amir was widely criticized by former cricketers and fans for his excessive aggression on the field.
Wasim Akram has supported the left-arm pacer for his aggression stating that they need characters in the team who can keep the morale up and that a bit of rivalry should always be enjoyed
“I think we have too much time on our hands. You need characters, you need a bit of rivalry and I am all for it. I am all for Amir, the way he has been saying stuff as a bowler, What’s the point of going into a PSL game, or any game, and shaking hands with the batter and hugging them?” Akram said.
Akram questioned what is the point of having friendship inside the match and reckoned that it can be seen before or after and added these kinds of rivalries add spice to the tournament, and everyone should enjoy this instead of criticising a person.
“Ok, after the game, before the game, I am all for it. But during the game, be professional, and these little words off the field also add spice to PSL. That is the beauty of PSL. We should enjoy instead of criticizing the person individually and consistently,” he stated.
Earlier, in the tournament, Mohammad Amir claimed that he would have no difference if he is bowling to Babar Azam or a tailender hitter because he is only concerned with doing his job, which is to take a wicket. This statement sparked a wide range of controversies. Amir faced criticism for his comments as fans from Pakistan slammed him for comparing Babar with a tailender.
Will Mohammad Amir Play Under Babar Azam For Pakistan?
During a press conference, Pakistan Chief Selector Haroon Rashid commented that Amir could play international cricket for Pakistan again if he takes back his retirement. Left-arm pacer Amir announced his shock retirement from international cricket in December 2020 at the age of 28, citing mental health issues.
He also stated that there were no restrictions imposed on the selection of Amir as long as he makes himself available for selection. Amir has represented Pakistan in 36 Tests, 61 ODIs, and 50 T20Is, claiming 259 international scalps in total.
With the kind of rivalry going on between the two players, it is highly unlikely even if Mohammad Amir comes out of retirement, that he will find a place in Babar Azam’s lead Pakistan team.