5 Talented Pakistani Bowlers Whose Careers Were Cut Short by Bans
Pakistan cricket’s strong point has always been its bowling, and the country has given the cricketing world some wonderful bowlers. While some of these bowlers went on to become legends, a few had their careers prematurely cut short due to match fixing scandals, wrong bowling actions and the use of banned substances.This issue was again brought into light recently when Mohammad Amir, who made a comeback after completing a 5-year ban for match-fixing, was called a “thief” in a domestic match by a player from the opposition, leading to an on-field spat between the two.Amir, who got banned at a young age of 19, was fortunate enough to get a second chance, but not all are lucky. The imposition of a ban usually results in the tragic end of their careers.Here are 5 bowlers from Pakistan whose careers were tragically cut short due to bans.
#5 Mohammad Amir
Widely considered as the future of Pakistan cricket, Amir made his debut at the age of 17 in 2009. He was instrumental in Pakistan winning the T20 cup that year, taking a wicket in his opening spell in 6 out of 7 games. He continued his exceptional form in 2010, becoming the first 18 year old to take 50 wickets on Pakistan’s tour of England.
His career took a tragic turn when he was caught and convicted in the spot fixing scandal, bowling deliberate no-balls in a test.
He was handed a 5-year ban in February 2011 and was sentenced to 6 months of jail in England.
The 24 year old is now looking to revive his career, with his ban ending this year.