Former Pakistan fast bowler Mohammad Amir has strongly criticized a cricketer from the 1990s, alleging that his career was intentionally hindered. Amir’s remarks follow similar statements made by former captains Rashid Latif, Mohammad Hafeez, Waqar Younis, and Wasim Akram. His comments have sparked widespread debate on social media, with a viral video highlighting his claims.
Indirect Criticism of Waqar Younis
Although Amir did not mention any names explicitly, his comments appeared to be directed at former coach Waqar Younis. Amir claimed that a senior cricketer from the 90s tried to derail his career, particularly by excluding him from the squad for a New Zealand tour despite his strong performances.
Exclusion from the New Zealand Tour
Recalling a specific incident, Amir stated, “Do you remember the year when Karachi Kings won the PSL final against Multan Sultans? There was also a Super Over that we won. After that, we were supposed to tour New Zealand. The selection committee picked 40 players for that tour, yet my name was missing.”
He further alleged that the squad was announced before the PSL playoffs, suggesting that selectors deliberately omitted him to prevent any chance of inclusion based on strong performances.
Questioning the 90s-Era Influence
Amir pointed out that a key coaching staff member from the 90s played a role in his exclusion. He claimed that when questioned about his omission, the coach vaguely responded by saying, “No, no, he is in our plans.” Amir expressed frustration over such dismissive responses and accused 90s-era players of holding undue influence over team selections.
Call for Constructive Criticism
Amir took issue with former players frequently discussing their era and belittling current cricketers. He stated, “Every player has their own time. They performed and earned respect, but when they keep repeating ‘our era, our era’ on TV, it frustrates the current generation.” He urged senior players to provide solutions instead of simply criticizing younger players.
Highlighting His Achievements
Defending his own career, Amir reminded critics of his contributions to Pakistan cricket:
2016: Played in the Test series against England, which ended in a 2-2 draw.
2017: Won the ICC Champions Trophy in England.
2018: Secured a T20 series victory against New Zealand.
Test Cricket: Helped Pakistan achieve the No. 1 ranking.
2019 World Cup: Nearly reached the semi-finals but missed out due to net run rate.
A Growing Debate in Pakistan Cricket
Amir’s comments have reignited discussions about favoritism and the role of former players in influencing team selections. As debates continue, fans and analysts remain divided on whether Amir’s allegations hold merit or if they are a reflection of personal grievances.
