In a surprising development, Pakistan’s T20I captain, Shaheen Afridi, has expressed his interest in exploring the potential return of former fast bowler Mohammad Amir to the national team.
The duo recently shared the field while playing for the Desert Vipers in the ongoing ILT20 2024 tournament. During a session on X Space with Saya Corporation, Afridi opened up about the prospect of Amir rejoining the national squad.
Afridi revealed his plans to engage in discussions with Mohammad Amir to assess the fast bowler’s willingness to make a comeback to the Pakistan side. In a Twitter space session, Afridi stated, “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.”
Amir had retired from international cricket in 2020, citing perceived injustice by then head coach Misbah-ul-Haq and bowling coach Waqar Younis. However, Afridi’s initiative suggests a potential reconsideration of Amir’s role in the national team.
Amir, in a recent media interaction, indicated that he had moved on and had different priorities in his life at the moment. He highlighted the changing dynamics of the Pakistan cricket system and the uncertainties surrounding a comeback after three years away from international cricket.
“Three years is a long period out of the international system. If you look at the Pakistan system right now, it is changing every single month, so you never know what is coming,” Amir stated. He concluded by expressing skepticism about making a comeback in the near future, stating, “For me, this debate is closed. After three years out, I don’t think it would be a sensible decision for me to come back. For now, at least. I don’t know what will happen in the next few years.”
