Former Pakistan fast bowler Mohammad Amir has yet again targeted the national team management and asked them to end the “scary dressing room culture”.
The 28-year-old had retired from international cricket last month after alleging that he has been “mentally tortured” by the Pakistan team management, comprising head coach Misbah-ul-Haq and bowling Coach Waqar Younis and Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB).
Amir, who last played for Pakistan against England back in August 2020, urged the national team management to give “space and freedom” to players to flourish at the highest level. His comments came a day after Misbah declined all his allegations regarding mental treatment.
As reported by PTI, Amir told the media on Thursday: “Give players some space and freedom. Put an end to this scary environment in the dressing room, these very players will win you matches.”
The left-arm pacer further went on to claim that he was dropped from the side for personal issues and not because of his performances, as he was not picked for the New Zealand tour despite taking 21 wickets in the Bangladesh Premier League before the team selection.
He continued, “The issue is not about performance I know I can make a strong comeback but it is about this mental torture they put you through. If this is not a personal issue then what is it.”
Amir also denied Misbah’s claim that his speed went down by saying: “my speed went down because I was not fully fit and fatigued. When I went to the Lanka Premier League I was fresh and I bowled at 145 kph.”
Taking a dig at Misbah and Waqar, the pacer said: “One coach says speed does not matter what is important is taking 20 wickets (Waqar made the remarks on Thursday when asked about the lack of speed of the bowlers in New Zealand) and the other coach says speed is important in international cricket (Misbah said this at his interaction). Who should we believe? First, think about what you want to say than try to teach Amir.”
On the latest comments made by Misbah and Waqar after returning from New Zealand, Amir said: “I am glad he (Waqar) felt sad and bad because at least he will now realize how much someone’s statement can hurt you like I felt when he made statements about my decision to retire from Test cricket. I didn’t say anything wrong and I only spoke the truth, nothing else.”
He was also suggested to play domestic cricket and get back his form and a place in the team, adding: “I think a player knows what is best for him and where he should play domestic cricket or league cricket.”
Amir signed off, “Who knows about patience better than me? Because for five years ban, I was not permitted to touch the cricket ball. I waited for five years to resume playing cricket and when I didn’t lose courage and patience then do you think I will do now just because I am not performing well.”
(With PTI Inputs)
