Former fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar has heaped praise on Mohammad Amir, calling him the most intelligent and tactically aware fast bowler the country has ever produced, while criticising the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) for its long-standing mismanagement of players.
Speaking on a social media platform, Shoaib Akhtar reflected on Amir’s performance during a past match against Australia, particularly his spell against opener David Warner.
“I was getting hammered by David Warner, but when Amir came on, Warner had no clue whether to go forward or back,” said Akhtar. “He couldn’t read Amir’s swing or pace. That kind of control and deception is rare.”
Shoaib Akhtar, famously known as the ‘Rawalpindi Express’ during his playing days, went on to say that Amir’s ability to read the game and adapt in real-time made him stand out from his peers.
“Amir is the best fast bowler we have ever had when it comes to using his brain,” Akhtar stated. “He understands field placements, match situations, and adjusts his approach accordingly. He knows exactly what line and length to bowl, and how to set up the field to complement it.”
The former pacer also highlighted Amir’s personal approach to match preparation, calling it a model of discipline and professionalism.
“Amir always bowls three to four overs before every match. During this warm-up, he closely analyses his own bowling — not just going through the motions. He doesn’t follow the standard team routine; he has his own focused process to sharpen his skills,” Akhtar revealed.
Akhtar described Amir as an “asset” for Pakistan cricket and expressed disappointment over how the system has failed to nurture and retain such talent. He accused the PCB of being disconnected from the needs of its players.
“The players are not bad — the management is,” said Akhtar. “If you cannot understand the pain and needs of your players, you have no right to be in management.”
Echoing Akhtar’s remarks, former fast bowler Sohail Tanvir also weighed in, criticising the way senior players have been treated by the board over the years.
“Players have always complained that they were neither given proper opportunities to say goodbye, nor treated with dignity,” said Tanvir. “This is an area where urgent reform is needed.”
Mohammad Amir, who officially retired from international cricket in December 2024, played 36 Tests, 61 One-Day Internationals, and 62 Twenty20 Internationals for Pakistan. He is currently representing the Quetta Gladiators in the 10th edition of the Pakistan Super League (PSL), where he has taken six wickets in four matches so far.
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