Over the past few days, Pakistan’s Mohammad Amir has been making headlines for largely the wrong reasons. Amir’s comment on Babar Azam – where he compared the bowler with tail-enders – received severe backlash from fans and former cricketers alike. Even Pakistan’s leading fast bowler Shaheen Afridi was surprised at Amir’s statement.
Afridi said on Amir’s behavior –
Mohammad Amir threw the ball towards Babar Azam in frustration over lack of wickets in his side’s opening match against Peshawar Zalmi in the league. After Karachi Kings’ second match, Amir’s behavior was discussed during a segment on Pakistan’s Samaa TV, and former captain Shahid Afridi, who was part of the expert panel, made a big revelation about his interactions with the pacer.
“Whenever a player doesn’t perform, or even if he does, I send a message to call him. Similarly, I messaged Aamir yesterday. I spoke to him respectfully, but I also scolded him. I said to Amir, ‘What do you want?’ You got so much respect, you tarnished your reputation and from there you made a comeback. You have got a new life in a way. What are you trying to do?” Afridi said.
Afridi added –
“Ye koi tareeka hai? (Is this the way to play?) There are juniors around you, you are using bad words. There are fans who are disheartened to see that. Even we have used such words and sometimes, the camera used to catch us. There are families, kids watching you on television. Aggression is fine, but keep it under control.”
Afridi also took the name of Babar Azam as he kept talking about Amir. “If you want to play for Pakistan, you have to play with Babar. Can you look her in the eyes? Can you play under his captaincy? Focus on your performance, control your aggression and go back home in peace,”Afridi further said.
