Pakistan cricket board has announced 29 names for kakul fitness camp. Surprisingly veteran Mohammad Amir is named in the camp as he had already announced retirement from international cricket. Amir who played last international T20 against England in 2020 announced retirement by saying that “I am bidding farewell to cricket for now because I’m being mentally tortured. I’ve borne lots of torture from 2010 to 2015, for which I served my time,”.
The decision to include Mohammad Amir in Pakistan’s T20 World Cup training camp has ignited a debate within cricketing circles, raising questions about his suitability for the national team and the integrity of the selection process.
Now he has taken a U-turn and made himself available for upcoming T20 world cup in June this year which is going to be played in West Indies and USA in June this year. he had played lot cricket in Caribbean Premier league (CPL)with stats of 16 wickets in 10 matches at an average of 13.75 and an economy of 6.87 in 2023 season. on other side he had played 6 T20 internationals in west indies getting 8 wickets with average of 19 and economy 6.6.
In 2023 CPL edition, veteran Imran Tahir was 2nd highest wicket taker with 18 wickets. Its better he should also dream to play for south Africa and he should make u turn on his retirement call as well because he performed well in CPL 2023 season. So, the selection process itself has come under scrutiny, with accusations of favouritism overshadowing merit.
Critics point to Amir’s modest T20 World Cups record Where he got 17 wickets with the average of 26.17 and economy of 7.17 in total 17 T20 world cup matches. again, if we saw his last T20 performance in 2020, he was wicketless in 2 matches and conceded 39 runs in 4.1 overs.
And then he retires saying he is being mentally tortured.
Now he is back in the camp but again his PSL performance is not exceptional .it is average where he finished with 10 wickets in 9 games with an economy of 8.41 for Quetta Gladiators.
If we look in depth, when Babar Azam was captain, Amir played 5 matches under Babar’s captaincy, in which he just got 1 wicket with ever worst average of 105 and economy 8.87. Amir’s best performance came when Sarfraz Ahmad was captain with 21 wickets at average of 17.85 and economy of 6.57 in 15 matches .so it looks to handle Amir and to get his performance, it is important to get back Sarfraz Ahmed as well. So, the questions also arise about his dependency on former captain Sarfraz Ahmed, under whom he delivered his best performances.
When Dale Steyn was playing for his country and team was going to be selected for 2015 world cup. Dale Steyn made bold remarks that if any one is capable of showing more performance than me, then he must be selected for the world cup team. but here did some one will show that courage or only be making it dreams job and getting selection for the ICC T 20 world cup 2024.
The report advocates for a shift in focus towards prioritizing current form over past glory in the selection process. Concerns persist regarding Amir’s mental well-being and the potential for burnout, given his tumultuous relationship with cricketing authorities.
Amir’s World Cup aspirations underscore broader issues surrounding selection criteria and the reliance on past achievements. While his experience undoubtedly adds value to the team, it should not overshadow considerations of current form and team dynamics. The upcoming training camp will serve as a litmus test, determining whether Amir’s return marks a triumphant comeback or merely a farewell tour.
