Shaheen Shah Afridi, Pakistan's newly appointed captain for white-ball cricket, has revealed that he will engage in discussions with Mohammad Amir with the aim of bringing the senior pacer back into the national team ahead of the T20 World Cup 2024. Amir, widely regarded as one of Pakistan's most skillful bowlers, announced his retirement from international cricket in 2021. However, Amir has remained active in franchise cricket globally and is presently competing for Desert Vipers in the ongoing ILT20 in the UAE.
Shaheen Afridi, who is also a part of the Desert Vipers in the International League T20 (ILT20) alongside Mohammad Amir, expressed his positive sentiments about their bowling partnership. Afridi spoke highly about the value of their collaboration, emphasising the positive experience of bowling alongside Amir after almost five years.
'If He's Available To Come Back For Pakistan Once Again'
Afridi went on to express his intention to engage in a conversation with Mohammad Amir to explore the possibility of his return to represent Pakistan once again. According to Afridi, their recent partnership on the field was excellent, giving a positive outlook to the prospect of Amir rejoining the national team ahead of the upcoming ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2024.
“I will talk to Mohammad Amir if he's available to come back for Pakistan once again. Amir and I bowled together after almost 5 years. It was a very good experience to bowl with him, our partnership was great," Afridi stated in an X Spaces session as quoted by a Pakistani News outlet, Geo News.
Mohammad Amir's career with the Pakistan cricket team has been a rollercoaster, marked by both highs and lows. After making his international debut in 2008, Amir quickly established himself as a formidable opponent, gaining recognition as a promising talent in international cricket. However, his career took a significant hit when he received a five-year ban from the International Cricket Council (ICC) for his involvement in match-fixing.
Amir made a triumphant return to international cricket in 2016, capturing attention once again with his formidable bowling skills. He played a pivotal role in Pakistan's ICC Champions Trophy victory in 2017, notably delivering a standout performance in the final at Lord's where he dismantled the Indian batting order.