Mohammad Amir wants to repay the faith shown by the selectors
After being included in Pakistan’s ODI and T20 squads for the tour of New Zealand, Mohammad Amir is keen to put the past behind him and let his performances with the ball make all the headlines.
The left-arm pacer said: “If I get a chance to play in New Zealand it will not be easy bowling to this (changed) approach but mentally I am prepared for a hard comeback. One thing is clear to me I will have to perform really well to win back the confidence of my fans. I am sure they are behind me and I will not let them down.”.
While the 23-year-old was confident that the fans would support him, he also added,“but even if there are taunts and harsh remarks, I am ready for that and will do my best to reply to them with love and by taking wickets.”
While he admitted that he was lucky and grateful to get a second chance, all he wants to do is repay the faith of the selectors and perform.
“I feel bad because of their (critics) strong comments, but it is their opinion the best I can do is repay the faith and support those who feel I should get another chance to play again for Pakistan have shown in me,” he said.
Amir’s visa process remains uncertain, but a PCB official said legal information regarding Amir’s conviction and subsequent departure from the United Kingdom has been submitted to the New Zealand consulate and is positive that the response will be in the affirmative after the consulate reopens after Christmas and New Year holidays.
Although Rameez Raja earlier added that it will be difficult for Amir to perform under immense pressure because of the changes that have taken place in the way the game is played, but the left armer is confident he can do well.
“I know cricket especially ODIs and T20s have undergone changes and the attitude of batsmen is very different now. So it is going to be a big challenge getting back into this mould. But the good thing is that I have followed cricket and other teams closely in the last one year,” he said.
Talks with Mohammad Hafeez and Azhar Ali was necessary: Amir
Mohammad Hafeez and Azhar Ali had earlier left the 26-man training camp in protest against Amir’s presence but discussions between PCB Chairman Shaharyar Khan and also between the pair and Amir, helped sort out the matter.
“It was very emotional talking to them but it was necessary. The team management has encouraged me they will do their best to help me settle back in the team,” he said.
He also added that Pakistan’s T20 captain Shahid Afridi was like an elder brother to him and had provided him with plenty of support, before he added: “It is very clear to me what I did five years back is simply not acceptable but I am grateful to Allah for giving me another chance to redeem myself.”