Mohammad Amir has 'desire and belief' to star for Pakistan

28 February 2016 06:53

Pakistan pace bowler Mohammad Amir is confident he has the ability to again be a star player for his country after continuing his productive comeback.

Amir returned to international cricket against New Zealand in January, having been previously banned for five years for his role in the spot-fixing scandal in 2010 - he also served a prison sentence in England over the case.

The 23-year-old on Saturday played the most high-profile game since that ban, and impressed with figures of three for 18 as arch-rivals India were left stumbling in their chase of Pakistan's 83 in the Asia Cup Twenty20 international match.

While India may have won the match, Amir, who played in the recently concluded Pakistan Super League as well, was once again happy with his performance.

"My mindset was to never give up," Amir said on www.pcb.com.pk. "All I had in my mind was that if we can be out for 83 then why not India?

"I wanted to give not 100 per cent but 200 per cent in my four overs. I am just happy I could give my all.

"You have to have self-belief, control. I always believed all players are the same - legends and stars are those with the mental toughness, those who can handle the match situation. T hanks to Allah I have the control over line and length.

"I had the belief in me that I would do something. I had the desire I will play as well as I can for Pakistan. No doubt my New Zealand tour went well, not bad."

Amir's return to the international game had not been without consternation from some sections of the Pakistani cricket fraternity, including reservations from some current members of the national squad.

However, as he eyes a role in the World Twenty20 beginning next month in India, Amir insisted the dressing-room environment has been key to his successful reintegration.

The left-armer said: " First of all, my comeback was because of the efforts of the PCB and then there was the support from the team management and the players.

"Without their help I couldn't do anything. They boosted me up, gave me confidence, put me in the team. Only after that comes my performance.

"I have said before, the atmosphere is very good. The way they have taken me on and supported me - they are all treating me like a son, like a little brother, and I am very thankful for that.

"When you get the support from elders it becomes easy. S o now if I look relaxed, with my body language, on the field, people should understand that the atmosphere is very relaxing."

Source: PA