Wasim Akram says Mohammad Aamir is the future of Pakistan cricket

Pakistan legend Wasim Akram, who turned 50 on June 3, said that Mohammad Amir’s primary focus should be only cricket and nothing else. Talking to a news channel Pakistan captain backed the tainted cricketer’s reinstatement to the game and heaped praises on the cricketer.

Mohammad Amir has been named in the Pakistan squad that will take on England in a three-match Test series in July-August this year. Amir’s selection comes on the back of his performances in New Zealand, Bangladesh, and India, where the pacer made his comeback in limited overs cricket.

Wasim also revealed the advice he has given to the bowler post his comeback Amir. “I told Amir to focus on only one thing; cricket. Leave everything else.”

The 24-year-old Amir is on a comeback trail after he spent 5 years away from cricket. Having made a sensational start to his career 7 years ago as a 17 year left arm quick, Amir got embroiled in a spot-fixing controversy where it came to light that the pacer along with his bowling partner Mohammad Asif had underperformed and bowled deliberate no balls in return of cash and other favors under the instructions of the then Pakistan skipper Salman Butt. The trial ended with the pacer asked to serve a 5-year ban.

The fact that Amir was just 18 when the controversy unfolded helped the cricketer in many ways. He received the sympathy of the cricketing community who felt he was too naive to understand the gravity of his actions as well as got a chance to revive his career.

Wasim Akram had words of praise for the bowler as he said that Aamir is the future of Pakistan bowling. Wasim said, "Amir is a brilliant bowler and the future of cricket in the country."

The 104 Test veteran was the one who spotted Amir early in his career and labelled him a special prospect. Talking about Amir’s time in the wilderness, Akram said that life is full of challenges and it depends on the individual how he deals with what life throws at him.

Although question marks still linger on the pacer’s England tour as he is still to be granted a visa by the British immigration authorities, he would be glad to receive the support from a man he calls his idol. It’s not only Wasim Akram, but even other cricketers have welcomed the return of the bowler to cricket. Last year in Asia Cup, Virat Kohli heaped praises on the youngster after playing out a challenging spell from him.